Flash-lights
Candles toppling sideways in tomato cans
Sputter and sizzle at head and foot.
The…
Mary Aldis (1872-1949) was an influential American playwright and community theater pioneer. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Aldis was actively involved in the literary and arts scene of her time. She is best remembered for her significant contributions to the Little Theater Movement, which sought to decentralize theater from the commercial Broadway and make it more accessible to communities.
Aldis founded the Aldis Playhouse in 1910 in her hometown of Lake Forest, Illinois. This intimate space provided a venue for aspiring playwrights and actors, encouraging experimental and original works. Her theater became a model for many similar initiatives across the United States, promoting a grassroots approach to drama and performance.
As a playwright, Mary Aldis wrote several plays, including "The Drama of the Peers," "Extreme Unction," and "The Man on the Kerb." Her works often reflected social concerns and the complexities of human relationships, marked by a keen sense of realism and emotional depth.
Beyond her contributions to theater, Aldis was also known for her vibrant participation in various civic and cultural organizations. She left an enduring legacy, having played a crucial role in the development of American community theater, influencing generations of theater practitioners and enthusiasts. Mary Aldis passed away in 1949, leaving behind a rich cultural imprint.