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Power couple Hutchins Hapgood and his wife, Neith Boyce began spending summers in Provincetown around 1915. They were drawn to this vibrant artistic community, which included other influential figures such as Susan Glaspell and George Cram Cook. The couple’s decision to join this community was influenced by their desire to explore new theatrical forms and engage with contemporary social issues through their work and thus coincided with the formation of the Provincetown Players.
This innovative theater group was established as a platform for new plays that often addressed themes of social justice, gender roles, and personal relationships. The first performance that is often cited as the inception of this movement occurred on July 15, 1915, at the cottage rented by Hapgood and Boyce. During this event, they staged two short plays: Boyce’s “Constancy” (originally titled “The Faithful Lover”) and Susan Glaspell’s “Suppressed Desires.” This informal gathering laid the groundwork for what would become a significant chapter in American theater history.
Both Hapgood and Boyce contributed significantly to the artistic output of the Provincetown Players. Neith Boyce wrote several plays that focused on women’s experiences and societal expectations, while Hutchins Hapgood was involved in writing and performing as well. Their collaboration resulted in works like “Enemies,” which explored complex themes surrounding marriage, infidelity, and gender dynamics.
Their performances were notable not only for their content but also for their format; they often performed their own works, which was relatively uncommon at that time. This practice predated similar approaches taken by later playwrights such as Eugene O’Neill.
