Derek Charles Livingston, the artistic director of Stages Houston, is set to unveil a compelling new production titled LET HER RIP, marking his first programming choice with the company.
This world premiere, written by Maggie Lou Rader, intertwines two significant historical events from 1888: the notorious Jack the Ripper murders and the pivotal Match Stick Maker strike.
Previews for LET HER RIP began on May 30th, and the official run extends until June 22nd at STAGES.
In an enlightening conversation, Derek Charles Livingston shared his insights about the play with Broadway World’s Brett Cullum.
Livingston began by outlining the backdrop of the story, revealing the strife faced by matchstick workers, predominantly women, who staged a courageous walkout in response to unbearable working conditions.
These women faced the debilitating effects of phossy jaw, a painful condition caused by exposure to phosphorus in the match production process.
The matchstick workers sought justice and united to refuse signing a false statement, acknowledging their poor working conditions as untrue.
They elected six women to represent their cause, advocating to reshape their reality and eventually achieving the right to unionize through an Act of Parliament.
This moment not only alterered labor rights but also catalyzed a broader movement that transformed the labor landscape in London, influencing future labor disputes in the region.
Simultaneously, the horrors of Jack the Ripper unfolded, with the murderer targeting women in East London, exemplifying deeply entrenched misogyny of the time.
Rader’s play draws parallels between these two historical narratives, suggesting that the timing of the Ripper’s attacks correlated with the women’s fight for rights.
Brett Cullum noted the profound impact of the Ripper’s crimes on media and policing, emphasizing that, while serial killers were not new, the sensationalism surrounding these events was unprecedented.
Livingston argues that the Ripper case highlighted the neglect of working-class women by law enforcement, pointing out contemporary parallels with similar cases today, where marginalized women, particularly those involved in sex work, often remain invisible.
Rader was inspired to write LET HER RIP by the injustice faced by women such as Breonna Taylor, embedding themes of remembrance and the importance of acknowledging those who suffer violence.
Derek went on to elaborate on the relevance of these issues today, mentioning the ongoing struggles of trans women of color who face similar injustices without proper acknowledgment.
Despite the grim subject matter, Livingston emphasized that Rader’s play has a comedic element, balancing humor with the seriousness of its themes.
When asked about his choice to debut this particular work at Stages, Livingston explained that he wanted to honor the company’s financial responsibility while also introducing his artistic vision to Houston audiences.
Having been involved in the play’s development for four years, including its initial workshop at the Utah Shakespeare Festival, Livingston found a deep connection to the work.
This connection allowed him to align his past experiences with Stages’ mission, providing a unique premiere that embodies historical significance while engaging contemporary audiences.
Audiences can expect to interact with Rader during talkbacks scheduled for the opening weekend, where she will discuss the inspirations behind the play and address questions from the audience.
Livingston hopes these engagements will deepen viewers’ connections to the material, creating a richer theater-going experience compared to passive entertainment delivered through platforms like Netflix.
As LET HER RIP approaches its opening, it promises to serve as a thought-provoking piece that resonates with both historical and contemporary issues, advocating for the necessary dialogue surrounding labor rights, violence against women, and human rights at large.
As audiences prepare for this world premiere, the anticipation builds for a production that not only entertains but also educates and challenges its viewers to reflect on persistent social injustices.
image source from：https://www.broadwayworld.com/houston/article/Interview-Derek-Charles-Livingston-of-LETHERRIP-at-Stages-Houston-20250602
