"Bull in a China Shop" by Fortune's Fool Theatre at the Hive Collaborative

Bull in a China Shop, now receiving its #TCTheater premiere with Fortune's Fool Theatre, tells the story of an early 20th Century president of Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts, the first women's college in the country. As an alum of College of St. Benedict, the first women's college west of the Mississippi, it's an interesting look at the history of higher education for women. But it's not just about that, it's the true story of two women in a long term committed relationship at a time when that wasn't accepted or talked about. 38 years fly by in less than 90 minutes of short scenes between these two women and other women at the college, depicting a complicated, intense, loving relationship. In what seems to be a new trend with Fortune's Fool, the show is free to attend (donations gladly accepted), and as always there are snacks at the Hive, so there's really no reason not to go see it! Continuing through September 27.

The titular bull in the China shop is Mary Woolley (Victoria Pyan), loud and brash and opinionated, who was offered the position of president of Mount Holyoke in 1900, a position she held for 37 years. She brought along her girlfriend and former student Jeannette Marks (Ariel Pinkerton), who taught at the school for 38 years. Woolley (both women are referred to by their last name) is determined to transform the school from one that churns out good wives, to one that creates educated and independent women. She encounters roadblocks from the school's board and donors, as reluctantly communicated by the dean (Penelope Parsons-Lord). Meanwhile, Marks feels bored and neglected, which draws her closer to her students, including the eager Pearl (Kyra Richardson). Marks is frustrated with Woolley for not supporting women's suffrage sooner, accusing her of putting her own career and position at the college first. This is not a perfect or easy relationship, as both women grow and change over time, but it's one that endures through the hard times.

But this play is a comedy, written in modern language (by Mount Holyoke alum Bryna Turner), including intentionally anachronistic slang like "giving" or "shipping." This makes the story and characters feel more modern and relatable, not like a dry history lesson. It moves at a quick pace and never drags, in fact time passes so quickly I wish there were more markers to let us know where we were in time (but maybe that's just my linear brain trying to figure out what year it is or how much time has passed). Since the play is directed by Shanan Custer, it's funny in addition to being heart-felt. The all-female cast is great (also including Bethani Talatala, bringing charm and humor to her role as Marks' roommate), and works together well.

The simple set in the Hive's intimate performance space includes a desk on an elevated platform for the office scenes and a bed on another platform representing Marks' room, entered through the arch of a doorway, with other scenes taking place in the space in front. Characters are dressed in vaguely period clothing (they can't get too specific or trendy when the period spans four decades), full skirts with vests or ties, with Woolley in more masculine wear, pants and tie, which feels appropriate to the character (set and props design by Keven Lock, costume design by Penelope Parsons-Lord).

I'm all for more plays about historical women, written in a modern and fresh way that makes them come alive and feel relatable (think: Lauren Gunderson). Maybe it's up to artists to tell the stories of women that the history books (written by men) left out. Bull in a China Shop is a great example of that, smartly and succinctly written, with a funny, moving, and entertaining production by Fortune's Fool Theatre.