Machinal by Sophie Treadwell, directed by Joseph W. Ritsch
Thursday, May 3 – Sunday, May 6
UMBC Proscenium Theatre

Inspired by the infamous 1927 murder trial and execution of Ruth Snyder, Machinal is an expressionistic drama by American journalist and playwright Sophie Treadwell. Machinal tells the story of a young woman destroyed by the world that confines her. Trapped in a loveless marriage, she loses any hope for affection or true companionship. However, an affair with a handsome and adventurous lover gives the young woman a momentary glimpse of passion, and her life is forever changed. She sees how society confines her, how her husband unconsciously dominates her every decision, and she feels that there is no escape. With a feeling of hopelessness, she commits an egregious crime, murdering her husband to free herself from the constraints of society. This highly theatrical production will feature an all-female cast and a world inspired by the aesthetic the great expressionist films of the 1920s.

Performances:
Thursday, May 3, 8 p.m.
Friday, May 4, 8 p.m.
Saturday, May 5, 8 p.m.
Sunday, May 6, 2 p.m.

$15 general admission, $10 students and seniors. Tickets will be available online in spring 2018. Tickets may be available at the box office one hour before performances, but performances often sell out in advance. (Complimentary tickets will be available for UMBC students for the 2 p.m. matinee performance.)

All ticket sales benefit the UMBC Department of Theatre Scholarship fund.

Plan your visit
UMBC is located about 10 minutes south of the Inner Harbor along I-95. For this event, free visitor parking is available in Lot 8, directly adjacent to the Performing Arts and Humanities Building, where the Proscenium Theatre is located on the first floor — please click here for additional information.

Machinal is presented through special arrangement with The Roman Catholic Church Diocese of Tucson.