Beyond *Top Girls*: How *Pot Girls* Signals a New Wave in Feminist Theatre
Chicago’s theatre scene is buzzing with a unique pairing: Raven Theatre’s production of Caryl Churchill’s seminal perform, Top Girls, running alongside The Story Theatre’s world premiere of Paul Michael Thomson’s Pot Girls. But Pot Girls isn’t simply a revival or adaptation; it’s a deliberate “riff” on Churchill’s play, sparking a conversation about representation, intersectionality and the evolving landscape of feminist theatre.
Reimagining the Roundtable: A More Inclusive History
Churchill’s Top Girls, lauded as a landmark achievement in 20th-century theatre, features a striking opening scene: a dinner party populated by historical women who achieved success in a male-dominated world. However, as playwright Paul Michael Thomson points out, the representation in that scene often lacks diversity. Pot Girls directly addresses this, reimagining the roundtable as a “celebratory kiki kickback blunt rotation” featuring a more multiracial, multi-gendered, and queer assemblage of feminist writers from throughout history. This shift isn’t about dismissing the original; it’s about expanding the narrative and acknowledging the voices often excluded from the traditional canon.
The Power of the “Riff”: A New Approach to Classic Texts
Thomson intentionally describes Pot Girls as a “riff” rather than an adaptation or modernization. Set in 1982, the same time period as Top Girls, the play doesn’t attempt to update the story but rather to offer a parallel conversation. The structure mirrors Churchill’s – a celebratory first act, a workplace-focused second act, and a final act that deconstructs the play’s themes – but the content is distinctly its own. This approach allows for a critical engagement with the source material without erasing its legacy.
Intersectionality Takes Center Stage
A key theme explored in Pot Girls is the importance of intersectionality. The play features a confrontation between a playwright, Caryl, and a young intern, Naomi, who challenges Caryl about the lack of representation and intersectionality in her work. This dialogue directly addresses the complexities of feminist discourse, questioning who gets to tell whose story and the responsibility of artists to consider the impact of their work. As noted in a review, the play asks questions about the role of critique in creation and whether artists can be judged by the problems within their artwork.
Chicago Theatre’s Building Momentum
The simultaneous productions of Top Girls and Pot Girls highlight a broader trend in Chicago theatre: a surge in new venues and a commitment to innovative work. Recent developments include Steep Theatre breaking ground on a new space, Northlight returning to Evanston, and TimeLine continuing work on its Uptown venue. This building boom, as reported by the Chicago Reader, signals a renewed investment in the city’s vibrant theatre community.
Spotlight on Design: Conchita Avitia on Craft and Community
Behind the scenes, designers play a crucial role in bringing these stories to life. Conchita Avitia, a lighting designer, emphasizes the importance of community and representation in the field. Avitia found a sense of belonging and opportunity through Teatro Vista, highlighting the need for inclusive spaces for BIPOC designers. Her advice to aspiring theatremakers is to be unapologetically themselves, make connections, and take up space.
FAQ: *Pot Girls* and the Future of Feminist Theatre
- Is *Pot Girls* a direct adaptation of *Top Girls*? No, it’s described as a “riff” – a parallel conversation that engages with the themes of the original play without being a direct update.
- What is the central theme of *Pot Girls*? The play explores themes of representation, intersectionality, and the responsibility of artists to consider the impact of their work.
- Where can I see *Pot Girls*? *Pot Girls* is playing at The Story Theatre, with performances extended through March 8, 2026, at Raven Theatre’s Chicago complex.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the opportunity to see both Top Girls and Pot Girls for a truly enriching theatrical experience. The contrasting perspectives will undoubtedly spark a deeper understanding of feminist theatre and its evolution.
Explore more about Chicago’s thriving theatre scene and the innovative work being produced by The Story Theatre. Share your thoughts on Pot Girls and the future of feminist theatre in the comments below!
