In People’s Light: The Vinegar Tree we learn that the mind is a powerful muscle. We don’t give it enough credit. We travel in time as we go inside a twisted sort of relationships and entanglements before entanglements became a thing. From sisters who hadn’t seen one another in years to the marriages or ideal of what marriage means comes an exploration of what we think we know about the truth.
What is Marriage in Vinegar Tree
Marriage is a relationship that is supposed to be built on love, understanding, trust and partnership. During a time when marriage especially for women was seen as a way to get ahead, is a recurring theme. What happens when you find yourself “stuck” in a marriage that has lost its luster. Will you simply fall in love over time? Marriage made in light of what is convenient is not the way to enter a relationship. However Laura played by Teri Lamm in the middle of this painstaking ritual. It’s obvious from the jump that she is disconnected from her husband, Augustus played by David Ingram. The lack of passion is clear as soon as Laura hears that her long lost love, Max is coming to town.
Vinegar Tree and Marriage Unfolds
As we continue to talk about marriage and desire we are introduced to Winifred who is Laura’s sister. Winifred is there to have a rendezvous with Max. You read that correctly. Max is the love interest of Winifred who has been married at least 3 other times. Winifred is a woman who knows what she wants and goes after it. To be honest, I felt like Laura definitely felt some sort of way about that. Laura settled with Augustus off the bat and Winifred knows what one man doesn’t do or have another one will. This sorted tryst will down the road come back up in a very splendid turn of events.
Passing Lessons Down
If the sisters possibly sharing the same love although both of them are very much married to other men, we get to meet Leone played by Claire Inie-Richards. A college student who is home for the break and is upset that her longtime boyfriend doesn’t think she has had enough life experiences to ask for her hand in marriage. The devastation is toppled by her declaration that while home she plans to play the field and get some life experiences under her. Things turn when her boyfriend, Geoffry falls in lust with her aunt, Winifred. Yes the same Winifred that is escaping her own marriage to be with Max the man her sister Laura loves deeply. Yes its like a modern day reality show before it became a thing.
Leone is in his ruse to make sure that she learns how to step in her womanly wares that she is blind sided by her own adoration of Max. Yes the same Max her mother, Laura is in love with that is there with her sister, Winifred. She asked him to deflower her and he accepts instead he realizes that he has fallen in love with her too.
Twists and Turns in The Vinegar Tree
It made be hard to follow the twists and turns that is being laid out but it makes some sense when you see it in person. This ideal of what we think we want and what we really need comes up often. Laura has an opportunity to save her daughter from marrying a man of convenience or going with her true heart’s desire. You will have to see what happens. I love that there is a turning point for Laura. She has been chasing a fantasy all of this time that the space she could have carved out for herself was dismal.
I was glad that my teenage daughter was with me. It caused a great conversation of explaining to her that in the 1930s women were much aligned with the men they married. Who they married determined their status. I explained a lot of the parts that as a married woman was apparent. It was great for me to use this to encourage her to pursue her dreams, travel, and make a life that she can be proud of.
The Vinegar Tree Suitability
This play isn’t suitable for children under 13 years old. I would caution as there are a lot of sexual and adult themes. Also if you’re wondering what seats are the best, choose seats that are in the middle so numbers like 15-20 are the best in the seating chart. The stage is beautifully done. Since I was just at People’s Light to see Bayard Rustin I loved seeing who they transformed the stage.
Thank you to People’s Light who always has the highest level of hospitality. You also as of now do not need to show proof of vaccination but masks are still required. I would continue to have it on you as times change that could change as well. Please be courteous and follow the rules and asks of the staff to ensure your safety. The Vinegar Tree is showing until July 24th. Thank you to Carrie Gorn of Perpetual Motion PR for having me as well. Get your tickets here.
Special note: The Vinegar Tree has been cancelled for the week of July 10-17th due to Covid.
