By Chloe Rahman
A new production of Little Women is hitting the stage at Carleton University this weekend.
The timing of Sock N Buskin Theatre Company’s (SNB) production during International Women’s Month was coincidental, but “it worked out great,” according to Smridhi Malhotra, the play director and the company treasurer.
Louisa May Alcott’s classic coming-of-age story from the late 1860s tells the tale of four sisters — Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March— growing up in Massachusetts together while their father serves in the American Civil War.
Malhotra said the choice of production “felt almost obvious” to her because “there’s so much relevance that has never died down.” She highlighted ambition, portrayed in unique ways by each character, and the exploration of gender boundaries and norms as central themes of the story.
In addition, telling a story about sisterhood brings her directing career around full circle since she had previously directed The Outsiders, which is all about community and brotherhood.
Malhotra explained that while there have been many adaptations of Little Women, she wants audiences to recognize how much care and warmth the cast and crew have put into every aspect of the production.
She described SNB as “just an amazing community to be a part of.”
Cast members Bo Doyle (Laurie) and Erin Chappel (Meg March) also spoke positively of their experience putting on this play with SNB.
“It’s been really wonderful to be part of a production where I am able to watch and learn, and help make sure that other people’s experience and story get elevated to the best of my ability,” Doyle said.
Meanwhile, Chappel explained that they relate most to their character despite not being perceived with the same softness in everyday life.
“Even though I grew up raised female and had those experiences, [this softness] isn’t something I’ve been able to portray on stage before,” they said.
Little Women may not be loud or action-packed, but it tells a very timeless story with strong role models for young girls.
“I hope [the audience] takes away a lot of perspective on the timelessness of the story and how relatable these girls from the 1800s are together,” Malhotra reflected. “The way the sisters fight is the way my sisters and I have fought. The way unrequited love is portrayed is still so modern today.” Chappel added that Little Women’s main characters are “all very different, and that is a strength. All of their different paths are valid and deserve to be celebrated as long as that is their passion and their choice.”
Malhotra is confident that the play is accessible and enjoyable for all audiences, from those who grew up reading the book, to those who loved the movies, and even those encountering the story for the first time.
Looking for an activity this weekend? The Leveller has been a fan of SNB’s productions, including RUMORS from last year. We recommend watching this production of Little Women at the Kailash Mital Theatre between March 19 and 22.
