WomensWork Theatre Collaborative lives up to its name

By DON FOWLER
Posted 3/6/20

By DON FOWLER Cranston's fledgling WomensWork Theatre Collaborative has quickly made a name for itself on the Rhode Island theatre scene, producing plays designed to promote theatrical opportunities for women of all ages, with a focus on women over 40.

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WomensWork Theatre Collaborative lives up to its name

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Cranston’s fledgling WomensWork Theatre Collaborative has quickly made a name for itself on the Rhode Island theatre scene, producing plays designed to promote theatrical opportunities for women of all ages, with a focus on women over 40.

“We are being truly collaborative with our third production, Sandra Tsing Loh’s ‘The Madwoman in the Volvo,’” said veteran actress Joanne Fayan.

Fayan joins MJ Daly, Paula Faber and Lauren Katherine Pothier in the collaboratively directing the production. Fayan appears as Sandra, along with Daly and Faber, who juggle multiple characters based on Loh’s acclaimed memoir. Pothier, in addition to being one of the co-directors, also serves as stage manager and lighting and sound designer. Carol Schlink handles the visual design.

“Rehearsals have been a terrific experience,” Joanne said. “Better than I thought. We all know each other and respect each other’s work. No egos involved. We are comfortable with each other and aren’t afraid to ask for help. We’ve tried something new, recording our rehearsal and sitting back and watching and critiquing ourselves.”

I asked what happens if they disagree on an issue or procedure.

“We talk it out. We compromise,” she said. “I guess if we reach an impasse, somebody will have to be the heavy, and since it was my idea it will probably have to be me. But so far, we have been able to truly collaborate and work together as equals.”

“The Madwoman in the Volvo” runs 90 minutes without intermission in the intimate black box theatre at The Artists’ Exchange, 50 Rolfe St. in Cranston, Friday, March 6 and Saturday, March 7 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 8 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20, $15 for seniors and students.

Collaborative founder and director Lynne Collinson has just completed directing a terrific production of “Agnes of God” at Theatre 82, a block down Rolfe St.

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