| This paper reflects on the creation and performance of the character Jeschute in Christoph Hein's Knights of the Round Table, translated from the German by Henning Bochart and Howard Burman. The play was produced by the California Repertory Company of California State University, Long Beach, and performed at the Edison Theatre from 25 February through 18 March 2000. Jeschute equates her self-worth with her beauty and sexuality. Now that she is aging, she feels devalued and desexualized. There is no new, defined role for her in our patriarchal, youth-oriented society. With this discovery comes panic, grief, and resentment.;The question of how society oppresses its older women was critical to my approach to Jeschute. By exploring the psychological effects of menopause on women, I hoped to draw parallels and gain a deeper understanding of my character in order to provide audiences with a vital and significant reminder of the tremendous toll paid by older women in our society. |
