Trifles

I do not believe that an ultra "stripped-down" production of Trifles would be particularly effective.  It is Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale's attention to seemingly minute detail that unfolds the plot of this play.  The specificity of the text is also something that I believe would only work in a setting containing high attention to detail.  The script distinctly points out the dead bird, the bird cage, the unfinished quilt with a log cabin on it, etc.  The detail contained within this world would not be complimented by a bare, minimalistic set.  The text contained within the play just does not support it.

However, I could understand the argument for a minimalistic set being made for a few reasons worth considering.  One such example would be in order to give the play a sense of timelessness.  By creating a space that is essentially a void allows you to take the action of the play outside of any particular time period, at least to some degree.  It gives you the opportunity to bring the plot into a possibly modern-day setting.  It also can relay the message that the problems in this play are not specific to a particular time frame.