UPDATED: TA Drama Presents “The Insanity of Mary Girard”
March 10, 2020
Thetford Academy Drama students will perform “The Insanity of Mary Girard,” by Lanie Robertson, in the MJR Theater on Friday, March 13, and on Wednesday, March 18, at 7:00 p.m. UPDATE: The March 18 performance has been canceled.
Robertson’s play is a dramatic re-creation of the real-life story of the wife of the famous Philadelphian philanthropist, Stephen Girard (he personally saved the U.S. government from financial collapse during the War of 1812). Girard committed his wife, Mary, to a Pennsylvania hospital as an incurable lunatic in 1790, where she spent the last 25 years of her life.
The play centers primarily on Mary’s time in the hospital, as told by her and a “greek chorus” of FURIES who swirl around her and help reveal the path that led her to be placed there. How did she get here? Why has her husband not come to have her released? Is it all a mistake, or is she truly insane?
Students are taking the play to the Vermont One Act Play Competition, and the cast and crew will welcome feedback after the shows to help prepare their production for the upcoming Regional Drama Festival at Springfield High School on March 21.
Admission is by donation to help support students’ participation in the festival.
