August 26, 2000, Chan Auditorium of the Administrative Science Building
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Reviewed by Joseph Wilson Ruffner
On the evening of August 26th, I had an unforgettable experience. Bette Yeager, the play's author/actress, gave the premiere performance of her Women Great of Heart. In her solo portrayal of her characters, Bette uses selected and purposeful aspects from the lives and times of Dr. Hallie Farmer (1881-1960) and Pattie Ruffner Jacobs (1875-1935). Do not imagine it as an historical recitation; it is as contemporary as it is historical. I had wondered how she might treat these characters since I am somewhat familiar with both of them. About one-half second into her entrance, Bette settled my question and captured the night through her characterization.
Bette's creation and her interpretation are seamlessly melded into a warm, humorous, enlightening, and inspiring story by her passionate enthusiasm and fine talent. Moving with ease from one character to the other while constantly using her well-selected props, she tells their story. Never once does she lose the thread of character for which each of these ladies was noted. Throughout her lively portrayal, she warmly and appropriately captures the personality of each woman. And never once is the audience left behind as she leads them from one vignette to the next. Her mixture and treatment of content and context are appropriate, complete, and complementary. She paints each scene through her movements, using her props and her voice to bring life and color to the scene and the words of her characters. Her pacing, timing, and emphasis are executed with flawless precision throughout. Numerous messages and challenges are addressed and directed to the audience; the audience of today becomes the audience of yesteryear.
This performance was an 80th anniversary celebration of the 1920 ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gave women the right to vote. But it was oh so much more. To discover these eternal messages and challenges, you should experience this fine work with an open heart and mind. You will quickly realize that Hallie and Pattie are still alive. Their efforts and concerns, their messages and challenges, did not die. They have become ours.
Joseph Wilson Ruffner is a Huntsville resident and a great-nephew of Pattie Ruffner Jacobs