The Citizens Theatre's production of Joanna Bowman's revival of Lynn Nottage's play, 'Sweat', is a powerful commentary on the impact of big business on working-class communities. Set in Reading, Pennsylvania, the play explores the lives of factory workers and their families, and the devastating consequences of cost-cutting measures implemented by the company that owns the factory. The production is a slick spectacle, with nine actors embodying the play's world with magnificently controlled fury, and the use of techno music and video mash-ups adding to the impact of the performance.
One of the most striking aspects of the play is its relevance to modern times. The situation depicted in the play is set relatively recently, and the platitudes of assorted American presidents that flicker onto the bar's TV screen confirm that little has changed in whatever might be left of heavy industry. This raises a deeper question: if the situation depicted in the play is so timeless, why do we continue to see similar issues in working-class communities today?
In my opinion, the answer lies in the fact that the play is a dramatic dissection of how big business has broken working-class communities for decades. The play explores the ways in which big business has starved these communities of jobs, divided them on racial grounds, and provoked conflict that sometimes ends in tragedy. This is something that is still happening today, and the play serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle faced by working-class communities.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the way in which the play humanizes the issues it explores. The characters in the play are not just faceless workers, but real people with real lives and real struggles. This makes the play a deeply moving experience, and one that resonates with audiences on a personal level.
From my perspective, the production of 'Sweat' by the Citizens Theatre is a must-see for anyone interested in the impact of big business on working-class communities. The play is a powerful commentary on the issues that still plague these communities today, and the production is a slick and thought-provoking spectacle that will leave a lasting impression on audiences. If you take a step back and think about it, the play serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for the rights of working-class communities and the need for change to come from within these communities themselves.
