‘Problems Between Sisters’ a solid introduction to an exciting project
‘Problems Between Sisters’Though June 16Studio Theatre1501 14th St., N.W.$40-$95Studiotheatre.org It’s summer time in the Vermont woods, and two very pregnant sisters are holed up in their absent aunt’s remote cabin.
One is a visual artist working to meet a show deadline, and the other is a con artist sensing an opportunity for easy money. “Problems Between Sisters” — currently making its world premiere at Studio Theatre — is part of playwright Julia May Jonas’s ambitious five-play ALTAS cycle (“All Long True American Stories”), a reimagining of classic 20th century works by and about men reworked as mostly female-centric stories.
Jonas’s play is a response to Sam Shepherd’s acclaimed 1980 hit “True West,” arguably Shepherd’s best work. His play follows the scary and unceasing sibling rivalry of brothers who’ve reconnected in their mother’s California house. “Problems Between Sisters” explores similar psychodrama/comedy terrain.
Both include extreme sibling difficulties set in a relation’s home. While Shepherd’s very different brothers’ battle involves screenwriting, Jonas’s disparate women look toward the New York art scene in their clash over creativity.
