Notes from the Director
My earliest memory of the Little Women is when my sister passed along her copy of the novel when I was seven or eight years old. That much loved book is still in my collection. While I went on to read all of Louisa May Alcott's work, Little Women remains my favorite.
You may ask how a book written in 1868 is still relevant today.
Little Women focuses on the March family and their journey of love and loss. The central character, Jo, struggles to find a balance between family duty and personal growth. Who hasn't felt that pull? I dare say that many of us are still trying to find balance in our life. Jo doesn't want to be a conventional female; she wants to work, to create. She treasures her independence as she charts her own course. She refuses to embody the gender stereotyping of her era. She remains true to herself. The March family is genuine...in the way they live and they way they love.
One of the hardest moments in this story is one of loss. I think Little Women teaches us that while we are never prepared for loss and grief, loss can be honored in thoughful ways and with candor. And in doing so, maybe the pain is a little less.
Perhaps Marmee said it best:
So Believe that she matters!
And Believe that she always will!
She will always be with you!
She'll be part of the days you've yet to fill!
She will live in your bounty!
She will live as you carry on your life!
Kimberly B. Staples
