Overview
This adaptation of Henry James’ WASHINGTON SQUARE centers on Catherine Sloper, a wealthy young woman raised in a house of grief by a father bitterly dead to love. Surrounded by a society and family who perceive her as plain and soft spoken, Catherine remains steadfastly committed to her forward-thinking optimism. When Morris Townsend, a young, mysterious suitor, makes a bid for her heart, Catherine is torn between following her instincts and heeding the warnings of her father and meddling aunt.
While the novel is set in the fashionable downtown of late 19th century New York City, Sharp’s radical interpretation strips away the excess of the time period to deeply focus on Catherine’s journey to becoming her own person. This sparse, actor-focused design heightens the psychological underpinnings of the story, building tension as the play hurtles towards its inevitable conclusion.
Casting & Production
Casting
Dr. Austin Sloper — 50s
Ms. Catherine Sloper — 20s, daughter to Dr. Sloper
Mr. Morris Townsend — late 20s – early 30s
Mrs. Lavinia Penniman — 50s, widow, sister to Dr. Sloper, aunt to Catherine
Setting
Place
The Sloper townhouse on Washington Square, New York City
Time
1840
Reviews
“Director Randy Sharp has done an exquisite job of adapting this tale of repression and quiet rebellion…and even, I dare say, makes an improvement or two along the way.”
—TheaterMania
“Randy Sharp’s new adaptation of WASHINGTON SQUARE is both exciting theater and entirely true to its source material…While it avoids the beautiful trappings usually associated with the period, it is so gripping that they are not missed for a moment.”
—TheaterScene
