In the theatrical world of Overtones by Alice Gerstenberg, there are two women who have a hidden side to themselves. On the outside they seem like cultured, upstanding women. But on the inside their true feelings and nature are personified with their primitive selves. Now Gerstenberg explains that these women do not see their alternative selves but are able to hear them. What is unclear is the if, when, and how the alternate personalities communicate with each other. In the script, the alternates exchange dialogue, but we aren't sure how. There were many theories discussed in class but the one that I agree with is that the alternates always are aware of each other despite the cultured versions being unaware of the other's. However, the alternates are so focussed and intent on getting what they want that it seems only when someone brings up the subject of the alternates desires do they speak to each other. An example of this is when Maggie tells Hetty that she is starving which is connected to what Margaret wants from Harriet; which is to get Harriet to sponsor John so that they can have money to eat. But the playwright makes it seem in the beginning of the play that only the cultured selves are aware of their own primitive selves even though it doesn't explicitly say that the alternates can't speak with each other.
So now that the uncertainty of the script is explained, let's see how an audience would understand that: One, the two more forward characters are the primitive selves of the more polite characters and two, that only the cultured selves can hear them with the exception that the alternates can hear each other. Well this is somewhat explained in the script as well that the actors portraying the cultured selves should show that they are aware of their alternates' presence but do not acknowledge their exsistence. Gerstenberg instructs the actors playing the cultured selves to not make eye contact with the primitives which should suggest that Hetty and Maggie cannot be seen by Harriet or Margaret.
Looking forward to posting on the other plays. I hope I made enough sense.
Best,
Brady
