Author John Galsworthy most certainly qualified as a literary Renaissance Man. The activist and philanthropist authored novels, plays with a social messages, short stories, poetry, essays, newspaper articles, and countless other formats and won the 1932 Nobel Prize in Literature. Best known for his Forsyth Saga series of novels, his limited number of plays were produced when first written but rarely revived. Into this category falls STRIFE, his second play. First produced in 1909 in London and New York, STRIFE was well received. The London Times review noted that “…when an artist of Mr. Galsworthy’s high endeavor, mental equipment, and technical skill writes a play like STRIFE, he has done much more than write a play; he has rendered a public service.” Galsworthy’s incisive literary analyses covered a host of his special interests ranging from animal welfare to prison reform, censorship to workers’ rights. In 2025, Will Gear Theatricum Botanicum is proud to present STRIFE.
Gerald C. Rivers and Ensemble Cast – Photo by Ian Flanders
Ellen Geer and daughter Willow Geer co-direct Galsworthy’s 1909 play. STRIFE has been moved from Galsworthy’s 1909 to 1890s Pennsylvania at a time of high industrial unrest and early labor movements in America’s Gilded Age. The directors noted that “STRIFE remains uncannily relevant in today’s world, where debates over labor rights, corporate responsibility, and economic justice continue to dominate headlines…we hope audiences will reflect on these urgent issues, all the while experiencing this gripping story of human endurance, sacrifice, and the fragile balance between justice and compromise.” The play vigorously examines the ideological conflict between labor and management at a time when workers’ rights were minimal.
Strife Ensemble Cast – Photo by Ian Flanders
When STRIFE opens, Pennsylvania steel barons have reached a stalemate with union demands – resulting in a crippling strike which has left starving workers in life-threatening poverty and upper management steadily and catastrophically losing their financial edge. Two key players dominate the scene: John Anthony (Franc Ross), founder of the American Steel Corporation and chairman of the board, and firebrand David Roberts (Gerald C. Rivers), spokesperson for the workers. Both men are convinced that they are right – and neither is willing to back down regardless of the consequences. Meanwhile, both have overlooked the human cost of these struggles: the voices of women and families who endure the brunt of this turmoil. STRIFE highlights how easily leaders on both sides can get so caught up in their arguments that they sometimes forget what and whom they are fighting for.
Gerald C. Rivers, Earnestine Phillips, and Emily Bridges – Photo by Ian Flanders
Skillfully helmed by Ellen and Willow Geer, STRIFE is a tension-filled, intense tale which audiences may find troubling in its timeliness. Over 100 years have passed since Galsworthy penned this play, and yet the complexities inherent in labor relations remain. Looked at from both labor and management perspectives, is there a “right” answer to the questions and conflicts raised? A large and strong cast brings powerful and poignant emotions to the intellectual table of ideology. They are ably assisted by the outstanding contributions of the creative team, including Caitlin Cisek (costumes), Lucas Fehring (sound), and Hayden Kirschbaum (lighting). STRIFE is thought-provoking, exciting theater. Given that Gallsworthy’s STRIFE is rarely revived, theater and history buffs should not miss the chance to see this excellent production.
Foreground: Aralyn Wilson, Georgiana Swanson; Background: Earnestine Phillips, Susan Stangl, Annie Reznik, Rebecca Oca-Nussbaum, and Aubrey Sage – Photo by Ian Flanders
STRIFE runs through October 4, 2025, with performances at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday (7/20, 9/14) and Saturday (9/20) and at 7:30 p.m. on Friday (8/1, 8/15, 8/22, 8/29), Saturday (6/21, 6/28, 7/5, 10/4), and Sunday (7/13, 8/10, 9/28). Will Gear Theatricum Botanicum is located at 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga, CA 90290. Tickets ranged from $15 to $64 (Pay-What-You-Will performances on Friday 8/15 and 9/5 (available online the week of the performance or pay cash at the door). For information and reservations, call 310-455-3723 or go online.
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