1870 France. A time when women’s voices cried out to be heard. Passion burned in the hands where the paintbrush used to lie wasted on societal norms of care taking.

To dream of a path is the theme for the up and coming drama, “Dream of a Common Language,” written by Heather McDonald and directed by Juanita Rice.

This heart-wrenching drama is coming to Sac State March 29-31 and April 1,5,6,7 at 8 p.m., in Shasta Hall. For more information on “Dream of a Common Language,” call 278-6368.

Women painters come together and explore the roles of women in the 19thCentury. A time when women were denied to use their talents and wereforced into the roles defined by society.

In 19th century France, women were not allowed, as the men were, to paint nude models. This left women, who were painters and sculptures, to be obsolete and without confidence as artists. The talented men they were married to were allowed to sculpt any nudes they wanted and it was socially acceptable.

McDonald created a character by the name of Clovis, a woman artist denied of her passion. Clovis is chained to her man to raise a family and to trade in her paintbrush for a broom. Clovis walks around all day in total confusion, frustrated with the denial to paint. The path she had been given by society slowly kills her soul.

Many women can identify with the characters in this play. Even though this play is set in the 19th century France, many women today face these same issues. Not being able to follow a dream must be one of the most painful lessons in life. To toss and turn at night and wonder where the golden road of opportunity may have taken you.