Jane & Charlotte: Finding Common Ground in Hartford

Jane & Charlotte: 
 Finding Common Ground in Hartford
By: Amanda Forker
Jane Austen lived from 1775 until 1817 whilst Charlotte Brontë was born in 1816 and died in 1851; they were near contemporaries with only the latter author having knowledge of the prior. Now, however, in 2020, we lucky Connecticutians have the unique opportunity to see fresh theatrical adaptations (written by talented, female playwrights) of both Jane & Charlotte’s most famous works: Pride & Prejudice and Jane Eyre, respectively. I am one of those lucky Connecticutians who has seen both....and I hope that you will be, too.

If you consider yourself to be a ‘Janeite,’ Brontë Fan, or even a general literature/history buff, then you may be aware that Charlotte Brontë was no fan of Jane Austen’s. That being said, it is this authoress’s opinion that Charlotte’s dislike was cemented when friend and literary critic, G.H. Lewes, compared ‘Jane Eyre’ to ‘Pride & Prejudice.’ It was implied that ‘Jane Eyre’ could have been more feminine and Brontë should try harder to emulate Austen’s writing style. A comparison such as this only served to fan the flames of animosity, was completely close-minded and just pretty sexist, overall. Neither author benefited from the notion because they were both geniuses in their own rights. I mean, if someone told me to be more like Jane Austen, I would probably say the following: 1) That, Madam/Sir, is IMPOSSIBLE; her genius is unattainable. 2) Why can’t I just try to be more like myself? and 3) Rude! It is a truth universally acknowledged that no one wants to be told to be more like somebody else, especially when it comes to one’s own creative endeavors. After all, we are all free human beings with independent wills. What does all this have to do with Hartford you ask? Well, as I was trying to emulate two of the greatest novelists of all time, I digressed.

At Playhouse on Park in West Hartford, CT, performances of a new adaptation of ‘Pride & Prejudice’ by playwright, Kate Hamill are currently underway. Ms. Hamill made a splash in the New York theater scene a few years ago with her critically acclaimed adaptation of Austen’s ‘Sense & Sensibility.’ It’s still one of my biggest regrets to date that I didn’t see it. That being said, I wasn’t going to miss my chance to see ‘Pride & Prejudice!’ In truth, it was a splendid, fresh, comedic and heartfelt production with talented actors and beautiful costumes. The spirit of Miss Austen is alive and well at Playhouse on Park.

Hartford Stage, on the other hand, is tackling a beautiful, new adaptation of ‘Jane Eyre’ by playwright, Elizabeth Williamson. Ms. Williamson is also the director of the play and did a fantastic job with both roles. I was absolutely blown away by the entire cast (but especially Ms. Helen Sadler who performs the role of Jane Eyre), the gorgeous costumes and the creative set design. All was exemplary.

 Ms. Hamill and Ms. Williamson have succeeded in bringing new life into these stories written hundreds of years ago. They’ve helped Jane’s & Charlotte’s voices to be heard once more and proved how relevant these two authors still are. And I think that’s all either Jane or Charlotte wanted, really. They just wanted to be heard. They wanted to share their gifts, and be exactly who they were meant to be without restriction.

 This dual Janeite/Brontë fan is here to tell you that both productions are top-notch, exhilarating theatrical experiences. If Jane & Charlotte were alive today, I believe they would be proud of themselves, their work, and each other for their extraordinary accomplishments and contributions to English Literature. I find it so beautiful that Hartford has welcomed these two timeless stories by amazing female authors, adapted by female playwrights, at the same time. Some may see competition, but I see camaraderie. Having these shows run simultaneously sends the message that society is finally ready to accept these two gifted authors as completely separate entities. They are no longer being compared or pit against each other but rather celebrated for their innate and individual talents. 

Jane Eyre and Elizabeth Bennet are beloved heroines; they're both strong, independent, leading ladies with free wills and wicked wits. Their authors were no different and I implore you to get your tickets today to both of these fantastic productions while you still can; it’s not often that Jane Austen and Charlotte Brontë are within five miles of each other.

 ‘Pride & Prejudice’ runs until March 8th at Playhouse on Park in West Hartford, CT. Call 860-523-5900 (Ext. 10) or visit https://playhouseonpark.org for tickets.

 ‘Jane Eyre’ runs until March 14th at Hartford Stage in Hartford, CT. Call 860-527-5151 or visit https://www.hartfordstage.org for tickets.

 February 29, 2020

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