TRIANGLE

TRIANGLE by Janet Schlapkohl

Directed by Jason Grubbe

Combined Efforts Theatre presents a unique Immersion Event. The performance places the audience members in the midst of the action on the streets and in a shirtwaist factory of 1911 New York City. This special event
celebrates the lives of the young women of the TRIANGLE.

The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire was a horrific, heart-breaking event inearly twentieth century America. It was the worst workplace disasteruntil 9/11. Fifty thousand people marched in the streets of NewYork after the tragic fire. The repercussions of the needless andpreventable deaths of the young women who agreed to a strikesettlement after enduring fourteen weeks of bitter cold and hunger onthe picket lines the previous winter galvanized public opinion.

The links of labor corruption, and industry abuse reverberatetoday as advantage is taken of those whose situations create a lackof choice.

The play focuses on a small group of women whose lives areimpacted by the larger events of garment workers strike, andsubsequent fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist factory. The relationshipbetween the women uncloaks the influences of family, race,nationality, religion and social status, and education.

Cast members are doubled for a compelling argument about socialjustice, zealous politics and personal relationships. Prestigioussociety matrons, socialists, college students, and suffragists wovean agenda then tear at the fabric, that bound them in America. Theplay explores on a personal level, the friendships and private livesof the women.

________________________