Glaspell's Trifles

When I visualize a minimalist production of Trifles, I see some things that could be lost, but much more that can be gained. The main thing that would be taken away from Trifles would be…the actual trifles. It might help the audience to see the baubles and trinkets, the minute details with which the women occupy themselves. Another possible drawback of a minimalist production is that it may put off some audience members, keeping them from forging a connection with the words and people.

However, I personally think that a bare set and costume design could add much to the play. For one thing, the stage is a representation of the kitchen, the women’s sphere of influence. When the audience sees the kitchen as a blank space devoid of interest, they are seeing what the male characters see. The men dismiss the idea of investigating the kitchen, essentially ignoring the women’s domain.

As the women inhabit this bare space, they must find interest in it. Minnie Foster’s life is dull and lonely, so she must create her own mental landscape. As Dorothy Parker said (via Dr. Flecter), “The cure for boredom is curiosity.” Minnie and the women have to invest curiosity in the space they. Forcing the audience to use their imaginations will force them into the women’s minds, hopefully helping them relate to the characters.

There is one suggestion I would make concerning the props. If the director decides to actually show the canary, I would suggest making the canary red. The bright crimson would stand out beautifully against the black and white. It would also show that the bird is the one thing that could inject vigor and life into Minnie Foster’s world.

In the end, I’m not sure which type of production would be better overall. I personally would like a chance to see both.