New York’s Mint Theater Company returns to live productions this month. After two years of keeping active with virtual streaming offerings, Mint presents The Daughter-in-Law by D.H. Lawrence. The production plays at New York’s City Center Stage II now through March 20.
English writer D.H. Lawrence wrote The Daughter-in-Law in 1913. However, it was not shown on stage until 1967 long after Lawrence’s death in 1930. Mint Theater first produced the play back in 2003. It enjoyed an extended run and it remains one of the company’s most successful and popular productions. After seeing it, one understands why.
If one is looking to understand The Daughter-in-Law, one needs to understand the writer’s background. D.H. Lawrence came from the mining town which is used in the play. The couple in conflict, Minnie and Luther, are a reflection of Lawrence’s own parents. His writing in this play explores the issues of people working in mining communities including the class structure which normally rules the movements of the players. However, this one breaks ranks in that Minnie and Luther are in different classes. Luther admits Minnie is in a higher level than he is yet she is the one who moved for them to be married. Watch the play and decide for yourself why she wants Luther as a husband. You just may be moved to discover that she loves him maybe more than he loves her. Watch the ending and decide for yourself.
Issues of class in society is one important part of this play. But one cannot escape the way D.H. Lawrence shows his high regard for women and all they represent in life. He shows the strength that a mother can have and hold over her sons through Mrs. Gascoyne. But the depiction of Minnie is truly an exalted look at women in society. Lawrence is well known for his love of the sensuous side of life. His book Lady Chatterley’s Lover showed that in full force. Perhaps looking at his high regard for women helps to explain why he is so enamored by them.
The Story
The story centers on the Gascoyne family where the mother, Mrs. Gascoyne is the ruling matriarch. Her son Joe, who lives with her, has a broken arm and he is trying to get work pay. His attempts appear genuine but the reasons for not getting it center on his falling when he wasn’t on the job. The other son, Luther, has moved out to make a life with his wife, Minnie. He has not broken off his strong mother/son relationship which is later presented by his wife as an issue their marriage has. Also looming in the background is a strike at the coal mine where both sons work.
The Luther/Minnie marriage has a few issues. Minnie is more sophisticated and better educated than Luther. She takes care in the appearance of her home but she allows Luther to come to the dinner table unwashed after a day at work in the coal mines. The other issue that affects the marriage is news brought to the Gascoyne family, minus Minnie being present, by Mrs. Purdy. Mrs. Purdy’s daughter is pregnant with Luther’s child. The matter of resolving this remains a major factor that moves the action throughout the play.
Minnie takes a trip that lasts a few days to another area of the country. When she returns, she shows the Gascoyne family her purchases from money she had saved. One is an expensive ring and the other are three pictures from a gallery that she plans to get framed and hung in the house. This is the turning point of the play as the reactions of the three Gascoyne’s demonstrate their views on life. It eventually leads to a most surprising but rather satisfying ending.
Exceptional Production Elements
This current production is exceptional in the way it develops the story through the acting of an outstanding cast. Directed by Martin Platt, the cast includes Sandra Shipley as Mrs. Gascoyne, Ciaran Bowling who plays her son Joe and Tom Coiner as her son Luther. Amy Blackman plays the daughter-in-law, Minnie who is Luther’s wife. Polly Mickie plays Mrs. Purdy, their neighbor. Seth Andrew Bridges appears as the Cabman.
The Daughter-in-Law plays on a floor level stage with seating surrounding it on three sides. This provides an excellent view from all seats. The set is very basic featuring a kitchen/dining areas. The walls are painted black which ties in well with the concept of a town involved with coal mining. That constant use of black throughout the show whether it be from that set, or the black dust that miners come home with on their bodies, or even the term Blackleg (strike breakers, scab labor) gives a dark feel to the action and overall feel of what a person might have experienced in the town.
Special effects help bring about a feel for what might have been heard or experienced if one was living in the village where the action takes place. Audiences hear the sounds of a coal mine in action as workers do their jobs. The sounds are unique and they fill the entire seating area very well.
The authenticity of the dialect of the coal mining district of the Erewash Valley adds to a better understanding of what takes place. It is worth noting that the setting, Eastwood, is the town where D.H. Lawrence was born and raised. Also, Lawrence’s father was a coal miner. These realistic elements bring a strong sense of realism to the play.
Side Notes About The Daughter-in-Law
Audience members receive a program/playbill that is useful in getting the most from this show. The Mint Theater Company has information About the Dialect, a Glossary of Terms, and a fascinating look at the author, D.H. Lawrence. Reading this information helps give an better understanding of the play.
You may purchase tickets online at NYCityCenter.org, by calling 212/581-1212, or in person at the New York City Center box office located at 131 West 55th Street (between 6th & 7th Avenues). There is a $2.50 facility fee on all tickets. Phone, mail, fax and internet orders incur a service charge.
City Center is a fully vaccinated venue. Approved masks must be worn by audience members, staff, and crew at all times while inside NY City Center. Upon arrival at the theater, vaccination proof must be presented along with your ticket along with your government-issued photo ID. Check the website for more information.