Born: 3 October 1885, United States
Died: 20 February 1970
Country most active: United States
Also known as: NA
American playwright and journalist Sophie Treadwell is best known for her 1928 play Machinal, considered a highlight of American Expressionist theater. The plot is inspired by the real-life, highly publicized story of Ruth Snyder, who was executed that same year after being convicted of the murder of her husband.
Machinal was one of dozens of plays Treadwell wrote, in addition to several novels, serial stories and newspaper articles. She also produced, directed and acted in some of her productions, which often featured women’s issues of the era, “ripped from the headlines” stories like Snyder’s and/or elements of Treadwell’s Mexican heritage and other aspects of her personal life.