OUR TOWN
Overview
Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play Our Town explores the lives of the residents in the fictional small town of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire, during the early 20th century. Through the eyes of the Stage Manager, the audience is introduced to the Gibbs and Webb families and follows the courtship and marriage of their children, George Gibbs and Emily Webb. The play delves into themes of love, loss, and the passage of time, ultimately highlighting the preciousness of human existence and the importance of cherishing each moment.
In a groundbreaking production of Our Town in Williamstown, Massachusetts, the play’s themes of community and small-town life are brought to life by utilizing the town’s rich history and local landmarks. The Little Red School House/Williamstown Historical Museum, the Southlawn Cemetery, and The Store at Five Corners serve as immersive settings to enhance the audience’s engagement with the story. The production takes advantage of the town’s authentic charm and transforms it into Grover’s Corners, blurring the line between the fictional world of the play and the real-life experience of the audience.
Audiences begin their journey at the Little Red School House/Williamstown Historical Museum, where they are introduced to the historical context of the town. From there, they follow the characters’ footsteps, ultimately visiting the cemetery where the deceased residents of Grover’s Corners are buried. The gravestones become a visual reminder of the play’s exploration of mortality and the cyclical nature of life. The final stop is The Store at Five Corners, a local gathering place, which serves as the backdrop for the play’s pivotal scenes, including George and Emily’s wedding. By using these authentic locations, the production creates an immersive and deeply resonant experience for the audience, blurring the boundaries between art and reality in a way that captivates and moves viewers.The intimate setting enhances the emotional impact of the characters’ reflections, as the audience becomes part of the ethereal community. By utilizing the actual locations of Williamstown, the production breathes life into the play’s themes, blurring the boundaries between fiction and reality, and creating a powerful connection between the audience, the town, and the timeless message of Wilder’s Our Town.
About Margo Neely
Margo Neely is a polymath whose interdisciplinary work has been celebrated for its innovation and bold creative vision. With a background in art, philosophy, and technology, she is best known and as the multi-hyphenate creator of the award winning television series Ladies Revenge Club (“Best of the Fest” and “Best Short” winner at New York Comic Con/New York Super Week), the creator of the “Rosie Unriveted: We Can’t Do It Anymore!” campaign, and the visionary behind the Neely Air mi adidas custom concept — the megaviral drum machine shoe seen and loved by over 6 billion people worldwide.
Margo’s creative-technological innovations have earned her a reputation as a pioneer in the world of digital art, and she is frequently invited by media outlets around the globe to share her insights and expertise. Her work continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of art and technology, and she remains committed to using her talents to explore new frontiers while inspiring others to do the same.
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