Themes in the play

Ivy Shambitt and the Sound Machine is a play that is based around complex themes including exploitation and consequences of actions. The main theme however is based on what seems to appear on the outside not necessarily corresponding with what is happening on the inside.

Nothing is as it seems

Apronwood, the town where the play is set is made out to be a welcoming, happy little town when really it hides many secrets. Not only does it hide the truth of Ivy Shambitt’s past, it also hides the truth about its people. They are actually jealous, devious and dishonest people who manipulate everything in town to maintain a fanciful delusion for visitors. Also, Ivy is not what she seems; her façade is of a sweet innocent girl although her true nature is anything but sweet and innocent.

Exploitation

Ivy is exploited throughout this play as nobody wants her for who she; they want her for what she can offer them. She is first wanted for her talent of singing, then for her sound machine. Even Pippa Van Hoozer an innocent lonely girl sees Ivy only as an opportunity to have a friend. Such exploitation would seem to not pay off. However, Ivy too exploits the townsfolk’s self-indulgent nature and in doing so gets everything she wants. Therefore this play opens a discussion about the theme of exploitation and the moral dilemmas surrounding such actions.

Consequences of actions

The town folk do not consider the consequences of their actions. They make many assumptions about Ivy simply because she cannot speak. They assume she is weak and easily manipulate and exploit her. Thinking only of themselves, they are never suspicious or weary of the little girl who is actually manipulating the situation to her own advantage.