Times were in turmoil in the early 1970s, but there were good people doing good work to help those in need. When We Were Young and Unafraid tells the story of one of those good people.

~Review and Photos by Dana Nöllsch~

“When We Were Young & Unafraid” The Story

The year is 1972. The setting: a quaint bed-and-breakfast on a small, isolated island. The mood is uneasy—this bed-and-breakfast serves as a rare safe shelter for battered women in a time when few options existed for refuge.

Agnes, played by Holly Lorgé, owns the bed-and-breakfast and happily opens it to women in need of shelter. The play opens with Mary Anne, played by Rebecca Cooley, looking for help from Agnes. This is something Agnes has done many times before for many women, and she plays a very important role in society, but unfortunately, it is a role she must keep secret.

Agnes, with the help of her daughter Penny, played by Madison Liev, does her best to keep the space safe, but that is easier said than done in Mary Anne’s case. Penny and Mary Anne hit it off and became fast friends. Mary Anne helps Penny with some of her high school drama and boy trouble.

The story is tight and full of deep emotion. The set is wonderful, evoking a sense of isolation, both physical, as they are on an island, and emotional, as they hide and seek to be heard and to be safe.

The early 1970s were the second time in our country’s history that women stood up for themselves, demanding equality and fairness. This is also when Roe versus Wade came to be, and with that, a huge leap forward for the women’s movement. This is the energy of when we were young and unafraid. The story and emotions are well-balanced. There are many moments that may be a bit triggering. Michelle and I certainly had some very deep conversations after the play and the next day as well.

When we were young and unafraid is beautifully written by Sarah Treem and wonderfully acted by the cast, who, with the help of the direction of Moira Bengochea, offer the audience a beautiful, deep story that will bring the audience to tears, as well as a deep examination of our society in the past, and questions about the present.

There are a couple more characters and much more to the story, but I will not give away too much, as you should go see When We Were Young and Unafraid.

Here are some photos to give you a taste of “When We Were Young & Unafraid”

The Performances

The actors are remarkable in the way they bring emotion to their characters, adding a dimension to the story that moves the audience to tears and, occasionally, to the relief of laughter.

Holly Lorgé plays Agnes, the kind-hearted innkeeper who does her best to help those in need. Lorgé plays the role of a hardened woman who has seen many women in need come and go through the doors of her bed-and-breakfast, yet still retains hope for each of them.

Madison Liev plays Penny, Agnes’s daughter, who is nearing the end of her high school career and looking forward to moving on to college. Liev is absolutely fabulous in this role and brings the energy of a young person ready to move forward in their life, but also wanting more from her present.

Rebecca Cooley plays Mary Anne, the woman running from her abusive husband and seeking clarity about where she wants to go next in her life. Cooley plays the role with the passion of a woman lost in confusion, unsure where to go next.

Caleb Bay plays Paul, a guest of the bed-and-breakfast who is disillusioned with his marriage and comes to the bed and breakfast to find solitude and peace. Bay plays Paul excellently, showing the man’s vulnerability and confusion while also conveying his loneliness and desire for someone in his life.

Alanna McNaughton plays Hannah, a penniless drifter who is full of hope for women everywhere and has the deep desire to be part of the solution. McNaughton is quite believable in her portrayal of Hannah and is fantastic to watch as she brings her character to life on stage.

The Set

The set is beautiful, but be forewarned that the stage is raised a few feet off the ground, which may impair the view from the first two rows. On the positive side, the set’s height creates a sense of isolation that enhances the play’s mood.

The Bottom Line

When We Were Young and Unafraid may be a bit difficult to watch at times, as there are many triggers. There are graphic descriptions of violence, sexual acts, a character wielding a gun, and a lot of emotional despair. These triggers are mixed with moments of laughter. But letting all that go, the story is intense and in many ways, timely. As we do today, enjoy more freedoms and more equality, we must not forget how we got to this point and the people who worked so hard to get us here, while at the same time realizing how far we still have to go.

When We Were Young & Unafraid