The play “Machinal,” written by Sophia Treadwell and adapted by Brittney Martorana, is being performed at the College of the Sequoias theater. If you missed last week’s performances, you still have a chance to see the play on April 30 and May 1 and 2 at 7 p.m., with a matinee performance at 1 p.m. on May 1. The story follows a young woman named Helen who feels trapped in a strict mechanical life, including an unhappy marriage and the pressure of being a mother. Those two things are pushing her toward a desperate act in the search for freedom.
As someone who has never attended a play, this performance was an unforgettable experience. From the very beginning, “Machinal” captured my attention and left me speechless. The opening scene immediately caught me off guard with the use of music, lighting, and the cast’s presence. It pulled not only me but the audience into the moment. Everyone’s eyes were drawn to the center of the stage, leaving everyone with a strong sense of curiosity about what would happen next.
The lead actress, Schyler Mayo, delivered an incredible performance. Her portrayal of the young woman created this deep emotional intensity. You could feel the emotions and pain not just through the scene but through the walls of the theater. The actress made you feel empathy for the character, wanting you to reach out and save her.
The set design played a major role in the overall experience. Although the stage was smaller than expected, it worked perfectly. The size made the story feel more personal and intimate, helping the audience better understand Helen’s emotions and sense of being trapped. One detail that stood out was the screen displayed above each seating section. This added another layer to the performance, making the audience feel even more engaged, as if they were in the same space as the character.
The music was also a key part of the performance. The music created a mysterious atmosphere, as if you were transported into another world. At times, it was so easy to forget that you were even in a theater. The play ran 90 minutes without intermission, but this didn’t bother the audience because of how fully engaged everyone was. Looking around the theater, it was clear that everyone was focused and emotionally invested in what would happen next.
This performance delivers a strong and meaningful message that still connects to many people today, especially young women who may feel trapped in certain situations in life. It encourages the audience to reflect and think about how people experience pressure, control, and limitation in their lives.
Overall, “Machinal” is a powerful and thought-provoking production that I highly recommend. Students at College of the Sequoias should take the opportunity to see this play before it ends. It is emotional, intense, and leaves a lasting impression.
