Flo Owens is the mother of two teenage daughters, Madge and Millie. Flo has worked hard to serve as both father and mother to her girls. Underneath there is a certain hardness in her character as well as a deep love and concern for the girls. She is somewhat impatient and is very concerned that her daughters have a better future than she has been given. This preoccupation with her daughters' future leads her to a somewhat selfish view of the girls, especially Madge, who she warns to make the most of her beauty while she still has it. The reason for this outlook is made clear when, the audience, realizes that her husband was less than ideal as a father and a mate. She is anxious that Madge and Millie not repeat her mistakes where men are concerned. My work with Flo Owen started with her world view that women need to be independent yet she longed for someone to support her; finding her mindset and maternal connections to her daughters were my starting point of character development. Exploring vocal and physical choices were part of my discovery process in rehearsal to create this role. Flo Owens loved life but was truly frightened of anything that could threaten her, and her daughters. Additional materials to review include a short article about the production and the review in The Tuscaloosa News.
University of Alabama theatre department to explore youth, beauty and love in upcoming production of ‘Picnic’. Article in the Tuscaloosa News by Tara Massouleh, February 20, 2014.
THEATER REVIEW: Contemplative play sets a mood of longing, a review by the Tuscaloosa News, Mark Hughs Cobb, February 27, 2014
THEATER REVIEW: Contemplative play sets a mood of longing, a review by the Tuscaloosa News, Mark Hughs Cobb, February 27, 2014