The roles of women are about to change in Cook County, Illinois, as World War II changes the lives of everyone around the globe.
The change comes alive on the Clarkston Junior High School stage as the drama club presents “Rosie the Riveter” by Trey Clarkson, Feb. 6 and 7.
“It is a play about how World War II shaped women’s roles in the family and in the workplace, and how are women dealing with it,” said Mark Magni, teacher and director.
Rosie O’Connell, who becomes the future face of Rosie the Riveter, played by Mary Shutty, sees the effects of the war first hand when Eddie’s Auto Parts Factory is struggling with a hold on making car parts. She thinks of a plan to help the factory, her workplace, to secure a government contract and make airplane parts.
“Rosie is a complex character,” Shutty said. “She is growing up in a society where people tell her she can’t do it or is talked down. She rises above all that. She sticks with what she knows and trusts in herself which gets stronger over the play. She is unsure of herself but as time progresses she is trying to do this right.”
Shutty added what she likes about Rosie is she sees something in everyone.
“She is a tough character but at the same time she cares for everyone. She gives everything,” she said. “Like with John, she threw herself into the war effort to make sure he would be safe. She hides her emotions and near the end of the play she opens up a lot more because more stuff has happened to her. She breaks open and shows a lot of raw passion. Her passion is inspirational.”
John Stanley, played by William Wallace, is a friend and salesman at Eddie’s Auto Parts Factor and has enlisted in the army.
“When the war started I said I need to fight in this war,” Wallace said.
John is also engaged to Helen Henley but is in love with Rosie.
“It’s hard to explain the difference between them,” Wallace added. “One is more traditional and one is more modernistic.”
He added what he enjoys about John is he is a strong person but still has feelings.
“He isn’t just a tough guy going into the war to fight,” Wallace said. “He wants to protect. I like how he is well-spoken but he does hold back. It is his downfall and he can’t make up his mind between Helen and Rosie.”
Rosie finds help to recruit factory workers from Janet Sidaway, playing Katherine Hartley, a young woman who just moved from California to attend college in Chicago.
“She wants to help in the war anyway she can but she thinks helping with managing is more important than the little things,” Sidaway said. “So she goes to work with Rosie in the factory and she does whatever she can to help.”
Sidaway enjoys how Katherine is also a strong person.
“She is willing to do anything,” she added. “She gives everything to help with the war effort.”
Rosie and Katherine find resistance in the community for women to work at the factory, especially from Helen Henley, who is a traditionalist and head of the women’s social club.
“The resistance comes from women in the community like Helen’s group,” Magni said. “The view is ‘we are mothers, we are wives, we are this and that.’ That’s not a role and not how can contribute best. The play is also about how these gender roles are being smashed by this war.”
The show dates were selected because it corresponds with the ninth graders learning about World War II, which began Jan. 20.
“When I decided to do the play I went to the department and said this is something I want to do but not at the normal time we do plays,” Magni said. “I knew the unit would be over or hadn’t started yet.”
The unit includes European history, the home front, fighting the war and the aftermath of the war.
“By the time they see this play, they will know about part of the home front including rationing, riveting and war industries,” Magni added.
Shutty added the play has helped learning about the war.
“It has put a lot of perspective behind it,” she said. “You hear things about what happened, but you think it’s history. It’s hard to think about when you hear about the casualties and imagine how bad it was until you are put there.”
“You see how tough it was for everybody,” Wallace said. “Everything could fall apart if they don’t win this war and everyone gives each other hope.”
He added it is a great play to come out to see.
“It’s educational and entertaining,” said Sidaway.
“A lot of people can connect with the characters,” Shutty added. “There is Katharine who gives 110 percent. She is there for everyone. Or maybe it is John who is confused on where he is but he knows what he should do and he sticks to his gut instinct. Then, there’s Rosie who I think a lot people can relate to as keeping their feelings inside. They can relate to how Rosie finally lets it all out and she survives. She walks through it and she’s okay.”
The shows are Feb. 6 and 7 at Clarkston Junior High School Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. Tickets are general admission and $5.