Behind the curtain of “Intractable Woman”
The Brandeis Department of Theater Arts brings the powerful true story of Anna Politkovskaya to the stage.
By Gaelen Morse
Photography by Gaelen Morse and Dan Holmes
March 18, 2025
Tucked inside the lowest level of Spingold Theater Center, a new production is coming to life. It is January and opening night of “Intractable Woman,” by Italian playwright Stefano Missini, is set for early March. The true story follows Anna Politkovskaya, a journalist and activist who exposed the chilling details of Russia’s war in Chechnya.
Under the direction of associate professor Dmitry Troyanovsky and with set design from the Department of Theater Arts chair Cameron Anderson, students, faculty and staff have just two months to imagine, create, build and rehearse before the curtain goes up.
Unlike most university theater departments of high caliber, Brandeis offers all students — not just theater majors — the opportunity to take theater classes and even audition for roles in productions.
The build
On a cold January day lumber is delivered to Spingold — the first step in creating the set. Under the guidance of technical director Chris Tedford and assistant technical director Carolyn Daitch, the set rendition begins to transform into a tangible creation, piece by piece.
The stage
Some plays emphasize set design. Others use a minimalistic approach, letting the audience become enveloped in the story itself. The Laurie Theater, the smaller of two venues within the Spingold Center, is an intimate space that lets the audience feel close to the story. Visiting painter Saskia Martínez and a group of students put the finishing touches on the design. The stage is set.
The rehearsal
A small group of students begins to get into character. Through late nights and long rehearsals, Troyanovsky and stage manager Maggie Hastings ’22 guide the cast, allowing each actor to bring their own style to their character.
The costume
Acting might be the most integral component of character but looking the part elevates stage presence. Costume shop director Brooke Stanton and visiting costume designer Olivera Gajic lead a team of students to create the period-specific aesthetic for each character.
Opening night
The curtain rises and all of the students’ hard work comes to fruition. The seamlessly painted set and the period costumes transport the audience to Chechnya, alongside Anna Politkovskaya. The weeks of rehearsing, sewing, creating and building have led to this special moment — the audience awaits and the actors are eager to perform — let the show begin!
