The People’s Building

First performed in 1928 and inspired by the real-life case of Ruth Snyder, Machinal follows a young woman struggling to maintain her identity in a world determined to define it for her. Pressured into marriage, motherhood, and a life she never truly chose, she finds herself trapped within systems that value obedience over individuality.

Nearly a century after its premiere, the play's central questions remain as urgent as ever.

As debates surrounding bodily autonomy, reproductive rights, gender expectations, and personal freedom continue to shape public life, Machinal offers a portrait of a woman fighting to be heard in a society that continually speaks for her.

"One of the remarkable things about Machinal is how contemporary it feels," said Wells. "The details may have changed, but the pressures haven't. It's a play about control, conformity, isolation, and what happens when a person can no longer live within the life that's been chosen for them."

Blending expressionist storytelling with modern imagery, this production explores isolation, technology, social expectation, and the systems that shape everyday life. Written during another era of rapid social change, Machinal arrives at a moment when many of the same questions have returned to the center of public conversation.

As part of its commitment to community engagement, Miscreant Theater Collective is proud to partner with The Table Urban Farm, a Denver-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing locally grown food, fostering neighborhood connection, and increasing access to community resources. Through this partnership, Miscreant continues its mission of using theatre not only as artistic expression, but as a way to strengthen community relationships and create meaningful spaces for conversation and connection.