‘Molly’s Hammer’ captures mom’s activist passion

It’s always the mothers.

That’s what plaintiff attorney Jan Schlichtmann told me after the movie “A Civil Action” came out in 1998. It was about the environmental pollution case in Woburn, Mass., when industrial waste toxins contaminated the groundwater, and was linked to children’s deaths from cancer in the 1980s.

The activist drama “Molly’s Hammer” is about another passionate mother who can’t resist joining an anti-nuclear weapons and Christian pacifist movement now known as the Plowshares Eight.

As Molly Rush, Nancy Bell is a fervent advocate for peace, but she isn’t a flamboyant, fiery protester. On the contrary, she is a typical wife and mother of that era, who is spurred on to make a difference because of the dangerous times she lives in, with the ever-present threat of nuclear war looming.

Bell demonstrates the steely resolve of this ordinary woman who becomes an extraordinary hero. She is up to the demands of this richly textured role, and we’re with her all the way, from her kitchen sink to a jail cell. Among our most gifted actresses, Bell excels in transforming herself organically to create an indelible, relatable character.

The compelling play by Tammy Ryan takes us back to 1980. Molly put aside her college plans when she fell in love with Bill, a blue-collar softball-playing guy who expects meals prepared by a traditional wife. They have six children, two still at home when the play opens.

Molly is thinking about protecting not only her children, but lives throughout the world, and finds her voice when she speaks up as part of this group led by Rev. Daniel Berrigan.

When they trespass on a General Electric factory in King of Prussia, Pa., damaging warheads and pouring blood on documents in a symbolic protest, they are arrested, jailed and tried for a number of felonies and misdemeanors.

They took their name from something attributed to the prophet Isaiah in the Bible — “Weapons shall be beaten into plowshares.”

Committed Molly holds herself accountable — that’s not an issue — but fighting the good fight is more important to her than legal maneuvers. It would take 10 years before the case is ultimately settled.

Ryan adapted the book “Hammer of Justice” by Liane Ellison Norman to shape Molly’s journey as a play, which was nurtured by the Ignite! New Play Festival produced annually at The Rep.

While Molly is the centerpiece, Ryan gave husband Bill a thoughtful arc that shows genuine growth in the second act. Joe Osheroff effectively depicts Bill’s changing tune, from argumentative skeptic to staunch supporter.

Least successful is saddling Kevin Orton with too many character roles that are not entirely believable. He gives a strong portrayal of Father Berrigan and the initial court judge, but falters as the 12-year-old son and others — it’s often a jarring transition that isn’t as clear as it could be.

Director Seth Gordon resurrected meaningful folk music from the 1960s, with politically aware singers commenting on social injustices to use as bumpers. Scenic designer Gianni Downs has fashioned a striking industrial grid that doubles as a video screen to show news and images.

In 1980, the times were changing — after civil disobedience escalated in the 1960s, the ’70s continued with an intense Cold War and worry in the Mideast. A “No Nukes” call to action was gaining traction and attracted celebrities. The women’s movement had grown in the ’70s and given females more empowerment.

In his director’s notes, Gordon mentioned the current Flint, Mich., water crisis. Thirty-six years’ later, moms are heeding another call to arms. What would we do?

“Molly’s Hammer” is a tale of the times, and a woman’s journey that anyone can relate to, because it’s always the mothers who accomplish awareness so that their kids stay safe and sound.

This story was originally published March 18, 2016 at 11:44 AM with the headline "‘Molly’s Hammer’ captures mom’s activist passion."