Exploring sisterhood in 'Seven Sisters,' a new play from Dramatic Repertory Theater
Photo courtesy of Dramatic Repertory Company
"Seven Sisters," a play by Lynne Conner, captures the essence of sisterhood, love, loss, and the complexities of aging. The production, directed by Abigail Killeen, is a celebration of women’s lives told through the experiences of seven sisters, all navigating their journey from rural poverty in early 20th-century New York to the present day.
Ahead of the debut of Dramatic Repertory Company's newest production, which will run from Oct. 2-11 at the Studio Theater at Portland Stage, we conducted an interview with the creative minds behind the play. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation.
A play born from family legacy
Conner shared that the inspiration for "Seven Sisters" is deeply rooted in her own family history. The narrative is inspired by her mother and six aunts, documenting how their upbringing shaped their identities and relationships.
“The story is largely about their experiences as women in the world, as individuals and as sisters,” Conner said.
Conner estimated that about half of the play’s content draws from her mother’s experiences and stories shared by her aunts, while the other half is crafted to enhance the drama and tension necessary for compelling theater.
The power of lyricism
Conner described her play as having a “lyrical” quality, not only in its dialogue but also through its musical components. The sisters are portrayed as musically inclined, with scenes that incorporate various musical styles from the 1930s to the 1970s, adding color to the narrative and providing a cultural backdrop.
“There’s a beautiful lyricism to the depth of their relationships and the way in which they go through their lives, connecting and disconnecting and connecting again,” Conner said.
The art of casting
Killeen emphasized the significance of casting actors who resonate with the characters they portray. With a history of collaboration with Conner, Killeen highlighted how the cast brings depth and authenticity to the sisters’ stories.
“The character on the page is speaking to the heart of the actor playing it,” Killeen said.
Women’s voices in theater
Throughout the conversation, both Conner and Killeen reflected on the representation of women in theater. Conner noted the ongoing imbalance in storytelling but expressed hope that plays like "Seven Sisters" will encourage women to explore their lives and voices on and offstage.
“These women are talking about all aspects of their lives, which includes the men in their lives,” Conner said.
Tune in to the full conversation to delve deeper into the world of "Seven Sisters." Tickets for the production are available on Dramatic Repertory Company's website.