Viterbo theatre and music theatre students will present the drama Mrs. Packard at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25–Saturday, Feb. 27 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28 in the Fine Arts Center La Croix Black Box Theatre.
Mrs. Packard is based on the real life story of Elizabeth Parsons Ware Packard, who in 1860 was forcibly removed from her home and committed to a state-run insane asylum in Jacksonville, Ill. A conservative Calvinist minister, Reverend Theophilus Packard strongly disagreed with his wife’s liberal thinking and feared she endangered the spiritual welfare of their six children. In keeping with the laws of the time, the grounds for her institutionalization rested solely on her husband’s declaration of her insanity, and not through court action. Women had no standing outside the home and were essentially considered the property of their husband.
“Mrs. Packard is an exciting and thought-provoking play that will interest anyone concerned about women’s issues all over the world today,” said David Gardiner, theatre and music theatre, who is directing the production. “It is also a very theatrical piece that provides excellent acting opportunities for our students.”
Packard kept her convictions and refused to submit to her husband’s religious views. She endured horrific and dangerous conditions during her three years of incarceration before finally getting her day in court. She was quickly found sane and gained her freedom, only to find that her husband had sold their home and left with their children. It took Packard nine years to regain custody of the children. She would go on to earn a living as a writer, exposing the abuses she and other women suffered in a series of books.
Gardiner is joined by fellow faculty members Frank Ludwig, who is handling the production’s extensive and elaborate sound and lighting, and Matt Campbell, who did the fight choreography.
Mrs. Packard was written by Emily Mann, whose work is known for “giving a voice to the voiceless.” It was produced through special arrangement with Broadway Play Publishing Inc.
Visit the box office at 608-796-3100 or visit www.viterbo.edu/tickets.