Trifles

I think that it would certainly be possible to put on this production in a minimalist set/ prop design. The main idea of the story is that the men are unable to see evidence proving Minnie's guilt because they are in a kitchen (a woman's domain), filled with disheveled feminine rituals of cooking and quilting. The men deem the room unimportant based on its unfamiliarity and overlook "trifles" only the women could recognize. The underlying message is in the dialogue, specifically of the men. This is evident when they make comments about Minnie's poorly kept house, or how the kitchen had no abnormalities just "kitchen things". The women's insight to her life is based off of personal experiences; reflections of themselves they see in her dreary kitchen. If the acting is done with care, I think that this insight can be described through dialogue and mimed onstage while still delivering a clear message to the audience.

That being said, I would not want any part of this production! I think that the play would be lacking the original intentions of the playwright. Her vivid description in the first stage directions hint at the necessity of a detailed set, and I feel that staying true to her vision would better serve the live stage production.