DAYS TO COME BY LILLIAN HELLMAN Larry Bull, Chris Henry Coffey, Ted Deasy, Roderick Hill, and Janie Brookshire Photo by Todd Cerveris
New York’s Mint Theater Company is presenting a rare revival of Days to Come by Lillian Hellman. This was Hellman’s second play and one that closed only a week after it premiered on Broadway in 1936. Looking at it today, one might wonder if it was too controversial for that time. It plays well in today’s world where the occurrences of strikes and their effects on workers are more familiar. The timing of this presentation works well around Labor Day as the concept of work is celebrated. Audiences will see a small factory town in Ohio as it struggles to survive in this midst of a strike and realize the value that work brings to our lives. However, it also has a dark side to the issues labor deals with; that of management’s desire to hold onto their domain.
Days to Come was revived only one other time in 1978 by the WPA Theatre. When noted critic Harold Clurman reviewed the WPA’s production, he wrote that “our knowledge of what Hellman would subsequently write reveals that Days to Come is not mainly concerned with the industrial warfare which is the ‘stuff’ of her story for the first two acts. Hellman’s real preoccupation is ‘the lack of genuine values of mind or spirit’ of her principle characters, the factory-owning Rodmans.”
The disconnect between the Rodman family and their town cuts like a knife into the workers both in the Rodman home and the labor forces. Their lack of knowledge about the needs of the workers as well as their lack of understanding of people who take advantage of the misery of others is startling to watch.
Janie Brookshire, Roderick Hill, and Dan Daily Photo by Todd Cerveris
The Rodman family includes Andrew who is the main owner of the factory, Julie his wife, and Cora his sister. They live their lives far away from reality. The production allows that distance to be felt in a theatrical manner that is frustrating to watch. But even more frustrating is the realization that they will continue living their lives that way and see nothing wrong.
The Mint Theater always provides well designed, detailed sets. The set for Days to Come is no exception. It gives a window for the audience to view the wealth and affluence of the Rodman family. As the play opens, the strike has been on for awhile and the lack of income is hurting those who work there. Two servants of the household, Hannah and Lucy, say things to the family that should alert them to the difficulties the working class is experiencing with the strike. But it does not appear to have made any changes to dampen their lives.
Andrew Rodman, owner of the factory and head of the household wants to be more in touch with the people in his town and yet he seldom leaves the house. His wife, Julie, goes out quite often. Suspicion should arise as no one really talks about what she is out doing. But it does not. Andrew’s sister Cora is more interested in her breakfast trays and the traditions associated with them. She could care less about the world as long she has her immediate needs provided.
To further add to the lack of understanding between Andrew Rodman and the workers of his factory, he brings in someone who is supposed to know how to handle and settle strikes. He doesn’t realize that he has allowed a man who breaks strikes through violent means to stay in his home. When Sam Wilkie and his two goons, Mosie and Joe arrive, there should be cause for alarm. The union representative, Leo Whalen spots it immediately. The family’s attorney does not. So the Rodman family sets the stage for an impending disaster to occur.
A Scene to Watch For
A strength of the design of the set for Days to Come is evident when part of the beautiful Rodman home swivels and reveals the union representative’s office. It’s bare, minimal looks stands in stark contrast to the elegance of the main part of the set on display for most of the show. It is here that Julie comes in an attempt to have an affair with Leo who is tempted, but wisely holds himself back. This is one of the best acted scenes in the play. Leo (Roderick Hill) displays a calmness as his thoughts go through a near collapse of his own values as Julie (Janie Brookshire) continues to seek what she wants from him.
This meeting becomes significant as terrible violence erupts towards the striking workers. However, even after the events are all revealed, the Rodman house continues to function as it always has. The final scene with Cora and her meal tray is sad but very telling.
Direction and Cast
J.R. Sullivan provides direction that allows the flaws of all the characters to emerge. The strength of this show lies in the ability to relay those flaws and in one case some strength and it is well done by the cast. The characters are played by Mary Bacon as Cora Rodman, Janie Brookshire as Julie Rodman and Larry Bull as Andrew Rodman. Chris Henry Coffey plays Thomas Firth and Dan Daily as Sam Wilkie. Ted Deasy plays Henry Elliott and Roderick Hill as Leo Whalen. Betsy Hogg plays Lucy with Kim Martin as Hannah. Geoffrey Allen Murphy plays Mosie Dane and Evan Zes as Joe Easter.
Additional Information About Days to Come:
Running Time: 2 hours with one 15 minute intermission
Location: The Beckett Theatre of Theatre Row, 410 W. 42nd Street, NY
Performances: Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 7:30pm with matinees Saturday & Sunday at 2pm. No performance Tuesday September 18th at 7:30. Special added Matinees at 2pm on Wednesday September 5th and Thursday September 20th.
Contact for Info and Tickets: Online at Telecharge.com, by phone at 212-239-6200 or in person at the Theatre Row Box Office.
Suggested Audience: Those who are looking for a good drama with strong personalities who define the play.