I was recently commissioned by The Old Vic theater in London to compose a feminist analysis of the Tennessee Williams play, “Sweet Bird of Youth.” As a former English major, it was hard to keep my heart still as I happily accepted the assignment.
Analyzing how society treats and values women as they age is an issue I have written about in the past, my most high-profile analysis being on Hollywood icon, Demi Moore’s infamous breakdown in Forbes Woman‘s, “No Country for Old Women.”
In that article, I evaluate how women lose their worth as they age, and are judged by society. I used Moore’s case to focus on how insane it is that even today in Hollywood, a woman can find herself out of work simply because she had the audacity to age.
My observations for the “Sweet Bird of Youth” were similar because both the main characters of the play, who like Moore are also in show business, are grappling with aging and everything in their lives, from work to love, are tied up in their ability to stay young. At least, it appears so.
You can catch a preview here of what I have to say about the price we make women pay when they get older. The Old Vic’s production of the Tennessee Williams classic play is currently playing in London, so if you are in town make sure to try and catch it.
Anushay's Point 