Before Homestead’s spring play Blue Stockings, I asked the cast and crew about the play and their role in the production. On Wednesday night Katrina told me about her thoughts on the show and her character.
Hey!! My name is Katrina Liberman and I play Lloyd, the spiteful, rude antagonist of the show. Lloyd is such a complex villain, and it is such an honor to be able to take on this character.
With Homestead’s theatre season this year, Blue Stockings is this only play I really know nothing about. What is Blue Stockings about?
Blue Stockings, a play by Jessica Swale is about the experiences of Tess, Celia, Carolyn, and Maeve as they maneuver through the male-dominated world of England in the 1890’s. The young women attempt to graduate from Cambridge and are faced with the challenge of choosing between love or knowledge. This play is masterfully written in a way that still relates to today. I think the audience will strongly connect with the girls, and strongly despise the people against them.
The play takes place in the 1800’s, why should we see it? How is it even relevant over 100 years later?
Though the show takes place in 1890’s England, the rhetorical problems faced by the characters are unfortunately still prevalent in today’s society. I feel so fortunate that we are working with The Malala Fund and taking action on the issue of unequal access to education further than just performing the show.
What is challenging about bringing this script to life? How much science do you have to talk about?
Personally, I don’t have much science to deal with, but when I do, it’s a challenge. Memorization is quite difficult when you’re a freshman in biology and don’t know anything about stars or hysteria. For me, the most challenging part of this show is channeling Lloyds intentions and bringing them to the stage. I’m so lucky to be able to work with such talented directors and cast members, as well as the help of the hard-working crew.
Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite line of dialogue?
“The only thing a woman can own is knowledge.” This line sort of sums up the show very well for me. I resonate deeply with this quote, because as a young woman, like the girls in the show, I have experienced inequality and sexism. The line is honest and blatant; however, it makes me emotional because of how brave the young women attending college in the late 1800’s were despite the dangers of doing so.
What do you hope the audience will take away from this show?
I hope this show just makes people think. I hope they think about how relevant the topic of unequal access to education still is today, and I hope they do something about it.
As a freshman, where will we see you next?
This is only my second show as an actor here at Homestead, but it definitely won’t be my last. Just from this show, I have learned so much and I am so excited to use my knowledge in future shows and maybe even play a girl in a show! 🙂
Homestead High School presents “Blue Stockings” this coming weekend, April 27 and 28 at 7pm and April 29 at 1pm. Tickets are $7-$8 and sold at the door.
James Barr Performing Art Center
5000 W. Mequon Rd.
Mequon WI 53092
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