Machinal by Sophie Treadwell

The 1928 drama Machinal by American writer and journalist Sophie Treadwell was based on the true story of Ruth Snyder, a murderer who was found guilty and put to death. One of the pinnacles of Expressionist theatre on the American stage is thought to be its Broadway premiere, directed by Arthur Hopkins.

A young woman who lives with her mother and holds a low-level stenographer job. She abides with the socially prescribed rituals for women, despite her feelings of resistance. She marries her boss later on, who she considers disgusting. She had an affair with a younger man after having a child with him, who feeds her passion for life. She is found guilty of the crime and put to death in the electric chair after being driven to kill her husband.

In this 1928 play, expressionism and feminism clash to highlight how many women were seen as disposable things at the turn of the 20th century. Life passes cruelly quickly for the play's protagonist as she transitions from an office job to a marriage to the electric chair. For good reason, it has established itself as a staple of both the theater and the classroom. Machinal has been mentioned on a number of top plays lists.

Written by: Sophie Treadwell

Created: 1928