The upcoming Simpson College Productions show, “The Children’s Hour,” is set to be performed April 17-19 at the Blank Performing Arts Center, and will explore moral panic, rumors and the impact of words changing lives.
The play was first performed on Broadway in 1934, and later adapted into a 1961 film starring Audrey Hepburn. Now, writer Lillian Hellman’s play is being told on the Simpson stage.
A press release for the show described the show, stating, “Rumor. Scandal. Destruction. Set in a school for girls run by two unmarried women, this 1934 play examines the destructive force of a homophobic moral panic. Once a malicious youngster starts a rumor about the two women, the community shuns them, leading to tragedy.”
Assistant Professor of Theater Arts and the show’s director, Kara Raphaeli, spoke about the play’s relevance today.
“It’s 92 years old, and yet we’re still in the same place,” Raphaeli said. “The details have changed, but the speed at which someone can be rejected, whether based on truth or lie … is shocking, and that’s something that I think we need to be better at.”
Senior computer information systems major, Piper Jackman, who plays the character Karen Wright in the show, reflected on the harmful effects of gossip and judgment displayed in the play. She also mentioned what this production could mean for audiences.
“I think theater is one of the most important things because it’s a way to talk about things that not everybody is comfortable discussing,” Jackman said. “With shows that deal with hard topics, I think it helps people. I think it’s important that shows with hard topics are done.”
Jackman also reflected on her final performance as a senior, as she discussed how much Simpson Productions has meant to her over the years and what this show will conclude for her.
“My first show here was ‘Little Women’ my freshman year. It reminds me a little bit of this show, which I think is very full circle for me,” Jackman said. “Simpson made me fall in love with theater, and I think each show I fall in love with theater even more.”
This same sentiment was shared by sophomore theater arts and education studies major, Bekah Geerdes, who works as the assistant lighting designer and lightboard operator. Geerdes shared her wishes for others to gain that same appreciation when they watch the show.
“I hope the power of theater shines through with it and inspires people,” Geerdes said. “Theater is not just putting on a play and that’s it … There is a lighting team, there’s actors– there’s a whole team behind us where it all comes together full circle.”
Raphaeli also highlighted the importance of the understanding of a production from a director’s point of view.
“So much goes into every detail,” Raphaeli said. “We are focused on historical accuracy, and we’re focused on storytelling … Our stage manager and I meet with the designers every week to talk through so many little details to tell the story.”
Raphaeli explained that while the details of the play are important, the message also carries a purposeful weight.
“‘The Children’s Hour’ is one of the first major American plays to unflinchingly depict same-sex attraction,” Raphaeli said in a press release.
The cast agreed on the play’s significance. Touching on the play’s setting and themes, all members emphasized the audience’s response ultimately depends on their takeaways.
“This is a political play,” Raphaeli said. “It’s a play about people and communities … I want people to think about prejudice and moral panic and be critical … It might be a little pie in the sky, but I want this play to help people be kinder to each other.”
Performances of “The Children’s Hour” will be held in the Pote theater at Simpson College on April 17-18 at 7:30 p.m. and April 19 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and non-Simpson students and free for Simpson students and employees with identification.
