What happens when a timeless story meets new voices and perspectives? Playwright Courtney Bailey, in collaboration with artists at WERDCC, has reimagined Little Women, celebrating the ways in which literature, theatre, and personal experience can intersect to create something truly special.
We sat down with Courtney to discuss her inspiration, writing process, and what she hopes audiences take away from PPA’s upcoming production of Little Women Town.
Q & A with Playwright Courtney Bailey
What was your first exposure to Little Women? Did the story hold a special meaning for you growing up?
"I remember watching the movie with Winona Ryder and loving the coziness of their world, even in the midst of the Civil War. Since I grew up in the deep South, where so much of our Civil War education was centered around the localization of the bloodshed and the horror of slavery, it was so odd to me to see a story where the war seemed to be a 'far away thing.' Also, Christian Bale was cute."
What inspired you to create this adaptation(ish) of Little Women? How did the collaboration with WERDCC artists shape the play?
"I’m interested in how readers of Little Women jump to categorize themselves as one of the March sisters. The artists at WERDCC have a great deal of their individuality taken away from them; identifying with a single March sister can help rebuild that sense of self."
How did your writing process for this play differ from other projects you’ve worked on? Were there any surprises along the way?
"I was surprised by how much of the artists' writing included references to motherhood. In reality, this shouldn’t have surprised me; so many of the artists at WERDCC are parents. We did our best to integrate this into the play as thoughtfully as possible."
What do you hope audiences take away from Little Women Town?
"I hope our audiences see how easy it is to miss things like putting your bare feet on the grass."
If you could describe this adaptation in just three words, what would they be?
"Nice little life."
Don’t miss this heartfelt, deeply personal reimagining of Little Women!
Thursday, March 13, 2025
MATINEE - 1:00pm (12:30pm check-in)
EVENING - 6:00pm (5:30pm check-in)
Women’s Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center
1101 US-54, Vandalia, MO 63382
RSVP deadline: February 18, 2024
Join us as we celebrate storytelling, connection, and the power of theatre!
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