Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel, Little Women, loosely based on the lives of her and her three sisters, was first published in 1868. After it gained great popularity, Alcott quickly wrote a sequel, published in 1869 under the title Good Wives in British editions. Today, the two books are often published together as one volume.
Little Women tells the stories of sisters Margaret (Meg), Josephine (Jo), Elizabeth (Beth) and Amy March, who live in 1800s Massachusetts during the Civil War. Living in genteel poverty with their mother, Marmee, the sisters navigate the challenges of coming of age. It has been adapted to the screen and stage numerous times since its publication.
The Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre (MTC) will stage a new production of Little Women from Nov. 20 to Dec. 14. Adapted for the stage by Jordi Mand and directed by Katie German, the production features local artists, including Winnipeg-born artist and U of M alumna, Bailey Chin.
Although Chin always loved theatre, she had not planned on pursuing a performing career. In her words, “it kind of happened by accident.” When she began her studies at the U of M, she was enrolled in University 1, taking any classes that piqued her interest, including Introduction to Theatre.
“I found myself in all of my other classes wishing I was enjoying myself as much as I was in [Introduction to Theatre],” she recalled. “And so I took another one, and then I took another one, and I was like, ‘well, at this point, I should probably just make this my major.’”
During her time at U of M, Chin was a member of the Black Hole Theatre Company, an experience she expressed gratitude for.
Chin also emphasized the importance for actors to understand backstage production, from lighting design to stage management, not only to grasp the process but to appreciate the vital role of the backstage crew.
Since graduating, Chin has appeared in two previous MTC productions: Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes and Network. She has also worked with Prairie Theatre Exchange and performed at the Winnipeg Fringe Festival.
In Little Women, Chin plays Jo March, the second-eldest sister in the family, an aspiring writer known for her headstrong and determined personality. The role of Jo has been played in past adaptations by notable actresses such as Katharine Hepburn, Winona Ryder and Saoirse Ronan.
Being cast as Jo was “a dream come true” for Chin, who grew up loving Little Women and admiring Jo, though she did not always see herself reflected in the character.
“I feel like a lot of people gravitate to whichever sister they most identify themselves with, but if I were to be fully honest with myself, I did not grow up as a ‘Jo,’” she said. “I think the reason I gravitated towards her and why I loved her so much is she embodied so many things that I wanted to be […] She is so fiercely independent, and goes after what she wants and doesn’t take no for an answer.”
Chin explained her approach to playing Jo involves physical and vocal care to manage the demands of being onstage almost constantly. She also focused on the playfulness of performing, crediting her castmates for creating a supportive environment.
“You can lose the fun in it sometimes in all of the stress, and we were very lucky to have an incredible room full of incredible people who showed up for each other every day,” she said. “As a result, it was such a safe space for us all to just play with these characters and really find them and really develop them.”
According to Chin, the cast members bonded immediately when rehearsals began.
“You have to go up there and play family every night, right? And that can be tough when you are meeting people for the first time,” Chin remarked. “But we found a way […] and now have connected in such a gorgeous way, that it really — as corny as it sounds — feels like I am with my family up there every day.”
When asked about her favourite parts of working on the show, Chin praised the many women involved in producing the play, including director Katie German, assistant directors Rayna Masterton and Rochelle Kives and stage manager Karyn Kumhyr. The strong “feminine energy” in the production was something she valued, especially given the play’s subject matter.
According to Chin, audiences can expect “magic” from the production — from the story’s adaptation to the set design by Jawon Kang, lighting by Hugh Conacher and costumes by Joseph Abetria.
“I think there is magic in the show no matter who you are and why you’ve come to see it, and there’s beauty in every tiny detail of it,” she said.
Chin finished by encouraging other aspiring performers.
“Go for everything, even if you don’t think you’ll get it […] trusting that if you get [the role], you get it, and if you don’t, that’s okay. Keep going,” she advised.
Little Women runs from Nov. 20 through Dec. 14 at the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre’s John Hirsch Mainstage. Tickets are available at royalmtc.ca. For information on accessible performances, visit royalmtc.ca/News/Accessible-Performances.aspx.
