Trinity Rep’s ‘The Inferior Sex’ Explores Broken Barriers

The setting is a women’s magazine in 1972. The focus is primarily about fashion, food, and lifestyle issues. Think Cosmopolitan or Vogue.

The play presents a promising writer named Gwen (wonderfully played by newcomer Geri-Nikole Love), introduced to the magazine’s editor-in-chief Sandra (Rachel Dulude) to whom she proposes writing a story about Democratic presidential candidate Shirley Chisholm, who made history by being the first black woman to run for President in 1972.

The idea of writing about politics is met with some resistance from the magazine’s staff. Race also comes into play. However, considering the magazine is struggling financially, Sandra decides to take a chance and gives Gwen the approval to write the profile.

Gwen, who is also black, experiences plenty of tone-deaf comments from the women in the office. One of her chief adversaries is Vera (a scene-stealing Anne Scurria), a veteran fashion editor who casually remarks how issues with black women on the cover sell poorly.

Playwright Jacqueline Lawton captures the spirit of social upheaval of the 1970s including the fight to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, as well as Vietnam and Watergate.

The latter comes into play when Gwen writes a blockbuster story featuring damaging information about Sandra’s father, a Republican with ties to President Richard Nixon. To complicate matters, Sandra’s father owns a majority of shares of the magazine. Will Sandra bury the story to save her father?

The moral and ethical dilemmas at the heart of “The Inferior Sex” make it a riveting theatrical experience. Director Tatyana-Marie Carlo stages the action effectively and generates vibrant performances from the all-female ensemble.

Rachael Warren (“Fairview”) delivers a powerhouse turn as Joan, an unapologetic feminist fighting for the magazine to become an advocate for women’s equality. When Joan reveals the truth about her love life to the women, it’s exhilarating and joyful.

Angelique C-Dina (“An Octoroon”) has some powerful moments as maid Connie, who shares a disturbing truth about her work experiences to Sandra. C-Dina’s anger speaks volumes about the internal pain from years of secrecy.

Madeleine Russell as ditzy food editor Madeleine gets a lot of laughs as she carries trays of treats around the office. The way Russell combines the character’s cluelessness and noble intentions is a marvel.

Last but not least, Jackie Davis (“The Inheritance”) embodies Chisholm with tremendous passion and heart as she implores women to “stand up and be counted.”  Chisholm was the rare politician who wanted to address the needs of the poor and downtrodden and uplift all those who have been disenfranchised by the powerful.

Praise must also be given to Sara Brown’s gorgeous set design and Amanda Downing Carney’s fabulous costumes, which beautifully evoke the special qualities of the 1970s.

“The Inferior Sex” reminds us of the progress women have made in American society in the last 50 years. They have broken barriers in business, government, athletics, science, medicine, and education.

However, sexism, racism, and homophobia have not gone away. The culture wars continue, even though the players are different. But for every defeat, there’s a victory just waiting around the corner.

The Inferior Sex runs through April 16. Trinity Repertory Company. 201 Washington St., Providence, RI. For tickets, call 401-351-4242 or visit trinityrep.com.

Author: Joe Siegel

Joe Siegel is a regular contributing writer for WarwickPost.com. His reporting has appeared in The Sun Chronicle in Attleboro and EDGE.