Correction: A previous version of this story contained an error, referring to the play as “The Hatbox”. The article has been changed to reflect the correct title.
Finding inspiration in the unlikeliest of places, Lola Binks of Long Beach’s Garage Theatre, makes her directorial debut with, “Hatbox”, a show that she wrote during the pandemic while pondering the complexities of plural marriages, also known as polgamy.
“During the pandemic, I lived in a house in Salt Lake City that was actually overflow housing for polygamists in 1910”, said Binks.
Binks is no stranger to the world of polygamy. Growing up in Utah, she was made privy to the unspoken secret world of plural marriages.
For Binks, writing the play was a way to fulfill the need for live theatre during a time when it was non-existent due to the world being shut down.
“I wrote it with love to show the strength and resilience of women who have experienced similar experiences,” Binks said.
The play centers around four women who share a husband whose idea of matrimony has little to do with wedded bliss and everything to do with narcissistic control.
Binks said she formulated the characters in “Hatbox” with some of her Garage Theatre castmates in mind.Â
In particular, she wrote the leading role of Helen for LBCC alumni, Craig Johnson.
Johnson attended LBCC in the 1980’s and credits his time at the college with providing him with a solid foundation in theater.
When he learned that Binks had written a role for him as a woman, Johnson’s initial reaction was mild skepticism but he lept head first into bringing the character, a stern matriarch, to life.
“I had to go in with an open mind, for sure,” Johnson said. “I think the immediate reaction is to assume that polygamy is like a cult but it’s more complex than that.”
“Hatbox” marks Johnson’s first ever time playing a woman.Â
“I feel like I grew to understand her (Helen) beyond gender,” Johnson said. “I felt like I knew her.”
The characters in the play are relatable to anyone who has ever experienced something like being entrenched in high-control religion or having dealt with a controlling romantic partner.
The show is a dark comedy with a heartfelt commentary on the lives of the many women who still experience being in situations in which they may feel as though they lack control.
Through her words, Lola Binks looks to give a voice to the voiceless.
“Hatbox” is now showing at the Mar. 15-23 and Apr. 5-20 at the Garage Theatre. Tickets are available here.