Gerstenberg's Overtones

When I read Gerstenberg’s Overtones, the concept of the inner and outer self as separate entities resonated with me. It is interesting to see how Harriet/Hetty interact with Margaret/Maggie and within themselves. Even though Maggie and Hetty, the inner selves, address each other in the stage directions, it is unclear to the audience/reader whether they are can hear each other. Since they do not seem to react to each other (for the most part), the audience can assume that they are not capable of interacting.

The inner selves only appear to interact on an obvious level at the climax, only after the dialogue among all the characters becomes more frequent, choppy, rushed, and excessive. Maybe these conditions caused the inner selves to lapse into a heated confrontation, possibly bending the rules of their world.

The only place before the climax in which the inner selves appear to hear each other is on page 211. Hetty says, “I don’t believe you were ever in Turkey.” Maggie replies, “I wasn’t but it is none of your business.” This quick exchange seems to be a slip of the apparent rules. However, this moment passes so suddenly that the audience may not catch its significance. Those who do catch this moment have their questions answered in the climax when Hetty and Maggie openly confront each other.

It is also interesting to note that even though the inner selves can interact, they don’t seem to relay any of this information to their outer selves. After the confrontation, I wonder if the inner selves can tell the outer selves what the other person truly feels. My guesses are that (A) they will be incapable or unwilling to tell the outer selves, or (B) they will tell the outer selves, but they simply won’t care or already know. OR there could be a bizzare option (C) that the inner selves were destroyed after their (literally) unveiled display of emotion, which appears to be taboo, even for the inner selves to some extent. Since Maggie and Hetty disappear when the lights come up again, it makes you wonder…theories, anyone?

As for overall thoughts, the concept of the inner and outer selves as represented by two different actors was an interesting decision. I also found the script fascinating to read. However, I’m not sure if this concept would play out awkwardly on stage—especially if the audience doesn’t catch the conventions of this world. At the same time, I’m not sure if this work would translate to another medium, such as a short story. The representation of the inner and outer self as two different actresses with significant costumes is, in my opinion, essential to the work.

Well, that’s about it. So let me know your thoughts or questions concerning Overtones or this post. And bizarre theories concerning the fates of Hetty and Maggie are welcome. So, this is Laura G., finishing up on my first blog post ever (woo hoo)! Until next time!