The play revolves around a dysfunctional family consisting of impoverished widow Beatrice and her two daughters, Ruth and Tillie, who are struggling to cope with their abysmal status in life, in a society that they barely understand. Supporting herself and her two daughters by taking in a decrepit old boarder, acid-tongued Beatrice wreaks a petty vengeance on everyone around her. The play is a lyrical drama, reminiscent of Tennessee WIlliams’ style. One of Off Broadway's greatest successes, this powerful and moving study of an embittered, vindictive widow and her two young daughters has been hailed as one of the most significant and affecting plays of the 20th Century. 

The production opened Off-Broadway in 1970 and on Broadway in 1971, winning a Drama Desk Award as well as the 1971 Pulitzer Prize. A film by Paul Newman and starring Joanne Woodward followed in 1972.

Brought to you by Youth Theatreworks with the support of Waihi Drama Society, this is a community theatre production by special arrangement with Samuel French Ltd and the Play Bureau NZ. Directed by Sandra Timlin, performed by Hollie Weir, Evelyn Arevalo, Isla Menary and Tess Menary, with set designer Adriana Tuscia, and lighting designer Mark Horst.

Geared to older teens and adults, the production opens Friday March 14th, for three performances.