Beyond the Axe: Open Eye Theater’s ”LIZZIE” Reimagines a Notorious True Crime Story
The infamous tale of Lizzie Borden – the woman accused of brutally murdering her father and stepmother with an axe in 1892 – continues to captivate and confound audiences over a century later. Now, Open Eye Theatre in Minneapolis is offering a fresh, electrifying take on the story with “LIZZIE: the Rock Musical,” running October 9 through November 2. This isn’t yoru grandmother’s Victorian drama; it’s a punk-rock exploration of confinement, societal expectations, and the potential for rebellion.
A Case That Still Echoes
Lizzie Borden was acquitted after a short trial in June 1893, but the questions surrounding her guilt or innocence persist. The case remains a cultural touchstone,sparking endless debate and interpretation. Open Eye’s production leans into this ambiguity,presenting Borden not as a simple villain,but as a complex figure caught in the pressures of her time.
Deconstructing Victorian Restraint
Actor Lux Mortenson, who portrays Lizzie Borden, describes the show as a purposeful contrast to the Victorian era‘s rigid social norms. “The Victorian era is famous for being realy buttoned up and prim,” Mortenson explains. “And this show tears that all apart.”
This deconstruction extends beyond the narrative.Director and set designer Joel Sass emphasizes the show’s ability to blend a notorious ancient event with contemporary themes. “It takes this true crime story and allows a lot of very contemporary considerations to be woven through it,” he says.
A Modern Lens on a Historical Tragedy
“LIZZIE” isn’t a straightforward historical retelling. It’s presented through a ”folk hero, or even a folk anti-hero” lens, according to Mortenson. This allows for a more nuanced exploration of Borden’s motivations and the societal forces at play.
The production team is well-known to Open Eye audiences, featuring performances by Mortenson, Abigail Olson, Marley Ritchie, and Grace Hillmyer. Sass, a veteran of the theatre and its producing artistic director, leads the creative vision.
Costumes as Commentary
Costume designer Samantha Fromm Haddow‘s work is particularly striking. her designs fuse conventional Victorian silhouettes with punk and modern aesthetics. Corsets and belts symbolize the restrictive nature of the era, while the overall effect suggests a powerful “stripping away of confinement.”
“These women are really confined and covered throughout the course of the musical; they just kind of explode into your face,” Haddow notes. This visual representation underscores the characters’ rebellion against societal expectations.This is Haddow’s first project with Open Eye, and she praises the theatre’s collaborative spirit.
A tragedy for Our Time
The show deliberately frames Borden’s story as a Greek tragedy, drawing parallels to figures like Medea and Clytemnestra. This framing forces the audience to confront uncomfortable questions about justification and violence.
Sass challenges viewers to grapple with the ambiguity of the act. “you’re without an easy place to sit in terms of deciding for yourself whether the violent act is justified,” he says.
Open Eye Theatre: A Hub for Minnesota Artists
Founded in 2000 by Susan Haas and Michael Sommers, Open Eye Theatre is dedicated to fostering Minnesota-based artists and providing opportunities for professional advancement. Sass highlights the theatre’s commitment to diverse programming. “No matter what type of performance art lover you are, there’s a layer of our programming that would appeal to you.”
Plan Your Visit
“LIZZIE: The rock Musical” Details:
* What: A punk-rock retelling of Lizzie borden’s life.
* When: October 9 through November 2.
* Where: Open Eye Theatre, 506 E.24th st., Minneapolis.
* Tickets: $35-$15. Purchase tickets at https://www.openeyetheatre.org/.
Don’t miss this bold and innovative production that reimagines a classic true crime story for a modern audience. It’s a chance to experience theatre that is both thought-provoking and undeniably electrifying.
Originally Published: October