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UCO Theatre Arts Presents ‘Machinal,’ Oct. 31-Nov.3

Oct. 24, 2024

Pictured, left to right, Riley Samuel, a junior theatre performance major from Wylie, Texas; Erica Workman, a freshman theatre performance major from Morris, Oklahoma; and, Liberty Welch, a sophomore theatre/communication education major from Oklahoma City.
Pictured, left to right, Riley Samuel, a junior theatre performance major from Wylie, Texas; Erica Workman, a freshman theatre performance major from Morris, Oklahoma; and, Liberty Welch, a sophomore theatre/communication education major from Oklahoma City. 

The University of Central Oklahoma Department of Theatre Arts will present “Machinal,” by Sophie Treadwell, at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 31- Nov. 2, and 2 p.m., Nov. 3, in Mitchell Hall Theatre on UCO’s campus.

Directed by Carly O’Brien, M.F.A., assistant professor of theatre arts at UCO, “Machinal” tells the gripping story of Helen Jones, a young woman suffocated by societal expectations and trapped in an unfulfilling marriage. Desperate for escape, her quest for autonomy leads her down a dark and irreversible path. Inspired by the true-life case of Ruth Snyder, the play is a powerful critique of industrialized society and the weight of societal pressure.

“This play presents a society that rewards conformity and punishes difference, as you will see in the treatment of the play’s protagonist, Helen," O'Brien said.

"In this adaptation of the classic play, I wanted to find places to inject hope into the bleak story while honoring Sophie Treadwell’s critique of a nightmarish world that is willing to chew up and spit out anybody who does not follow the rules of the machine.”

Premiering in 1928, “Machinal” is a notable work of American expressionism. It uses rhythmic, poetic dialogue and environmental soundscapes to mirror the mechanized and impersonal world that engulfs its characters. The play’s episodic structure and avant-garde style offer modern audiences a unique and thought-provoking experience.

Tickets range from $10 to $25 and are free for UCO students with a valid ID. Tickets can be purchased online at go.uco.edu/CFAD-Tickets or by calling the Ticket Office at 405-974-3375.

For a complete list of UCO College of Fine Arts and Design events and performances, visit cfad.uco.edu.

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Cutline: The University of Central Oklahoma Department of Theatre Arts will present “Machinal,” by Sophie Treadwell, at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 31- Nov. 2, and 2 p.m., Nov. 3, in Mitchell Hall Theatre on UCO’s campus. Pictured, left to right, Riley Samuel, a junior theatre performance major from Wylie, Texas; Erica Workman, a freshman theatre performance major from Morris, Oklahoma; and, Liberty Welch, a sophomore theatre/communication education major from Oklahoma City.

Scott Hale

Scott Hale

Marketing and Communication Manager, UCO College of Fine Arts and Design

 

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About University of Central Oklahoma

The University of Central Oklahoma is a campus community in motion—leading, innovating and creating transformative learning opportunities that foster success for our students. As Oklahoma’s largest metropolitan university, we provide high-quality, nationally recognized programs that are always evolving and adapting to the needs of our students and the community. This commitment is rooted in our founding in 1890 as the state’s teacher’s college, training those who would educate the next generation of leaders and innovators. We remain dedicated to offering an accessible, affordable education, earning national accolades for social mobility, veterans’ outreach and first-generation student programs.

Guided by the motto “ubi motus est” – which translates to “where movement is” – the university continues to evolve and grow, offering 119 undergraduate and 81 graduate programs to our more than 12,000 students from our main campus in Edmond, Oklahoma, and facilities throughout the Oklahoma City metro. Our colors were the first adopted of any university in the state, and our Bronze and Blue symbolize our greatest strengths—the illumination of new ideas and the endless expanse of a clear sky above. At UCO, anything is possible.

The university is governed by the Regional University System of Oklahoma Board of Regents and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Contact

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