Marching to her own beat
WITH today’s protests, demonstrations, leftists, rightists and aggravations, new play “20th Century Blues” is about — what else? — another misery march. It stars Emmy nominee Polly
Draper, who’s done more TV than my set can get.
Polly: “It’s about four women in their 60s who met 40 years ago at a protest and get together again for a group portrait. I play a photographer looking to do a retrospective.
“The subject deals with what’s happened to them. It’s about women aging. Feeling they’re out of everything.
“What happens to old ladies is a shock. The demographic means no longer being heard from. Their lone conversation deals with disability and illness.
“Or talk of face-lifts. Not all ladies are propped up with plastic surgery. I treasure the reality of a woman’s face and showing all it’s been through. We’re now trying to share that not all women are alike. Many live big lives as CEOs, heads of organizations, presidents, scientists. “As seniors, they’re the same grand persons they always were — not just Alzheimer’s patients. Love them. Share each moment. And be prepared — women outlive men.” Polly ever been in a real protest herself ? “Many. Women’s rights. Planned Parenthood. And the way things are going lately, it could be lots more.” “20th Century Blues” opens Nov. 26 at West 42nd’s Signature Center.