Setting: 1944 Talley’s Folly takes place entirely on July 4, 1944 in a boathouse near rural Lebanon, Missouri. The boathouse, a gazebo-like structure built by Sally’s eccentric uncle Everett in 1870, is surrounded by weeds and old fishing equipment and has a floor so rotten that Matt falls through it. Even though the boathouse has fallen into disuse, Sally still escapes to it sometimes to get away from her family. In addition to being an escape for Sally, it also provides a connection to her uncle, who Sally considers to be the healthiest member of her family for his courage. The boathouse is the first glimpse into the two-fold meaning behind the title of the play. A folly generally can refer to a “lack of good sense,” like how Sally’s family perceives her potential relationship with Matt. Similarly, folly in this play could refer to Matt’s continued pursuit of Sally despite extremely limited response to a year’s worth of letters. As it applies to the setting, however, the architectural use of “folly” is more appropriate. A folly can also refer to “a costly ornamental building with no practical purpose, especially a tower or mock-Gothic ruin built in a large garden or park.” In the play, Everett is known for building follies all over town, including the town’s bandstand.
Scenic inspiration photographs provided by designer, Czerton Lim. Set of Talley’s Folly by Syracuse Stage.
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SYRACUSE STAGE EDUCATION
