Women, Power & Politics: Then
Fri 4 Jun 2010 – Sat 17 Jul 2010
New plays by Rebecca Lenkiewicz, Marie Jones, Moira Buffini and Lucy Kirkwood with Verbatim accounts edited by Gillian Slovo
Now and Then can be seen separately and not necessarily in chronological order
For performance schedule download a calendar of events
Click here for information on Women Power and Politics special events
“Tales of the struggle dazzle and delight. This ambitious cycle of nine new short plays gives audiences a remarkable bird’s-eye-view of the changing landscape of opportunity for women over the years.
The crack troupe of 12 actors showcases remarkable versatility. I’m tempted to say: stuff the World Cup, it’s our lionesses we should be championing.”
“Ma’ams, Mags and militants on a lively journey to power. Hilarious and moving… typically ambitious… raises serious questions about the balance of power.”
“Sparky, spiky, humorous, wistful… directed with enormous energy by Indhu Rubasingham… there are undisputed treasures in each section. Women, Power and Politics is a terrific achievement and crucial, frightening viewing, for both sexes.”
“…remarkable pieces of writing…quirky, thought provoking stuff.”
“A fascinating look at why women are under-represented in our democracy. Funny, thought-provoking, perfectly played. The cast of 12 are excellent. There’s plenty to provoke, stimulate, amuse.”
“Characteristically bold and imaginative… a heroic feat of stamina performed by a winningly vivid and versatile company of 12 actors.”
“Iron ladies who are not for ironing…it’s one of the gifts of the Tricycle Theatre to take a debate or event and put flesh on it. A re-education of the audience’s eye takes place in the course of the evening”
“The Tricycle’s new season of plays and testimonies athletically questions the achievements of a century of women’s rights”
“Enterprising, audacious and thought–provoking… delivered by a fine, versatile cast.”
“You can’t fault the ambition of this double bill of short plays…the enterprise, involving an impressive roster of women playwrights, adds up to a bold conversation piece”
THE MILLINER AND THE WEAVER
by Marie Jones
Henrietta, from Belfast and Elspeth, from Dublin are unlikely comrades. The Suffragette movement binds them together, but as the question of Home Rule divides Ireland, will national politics tear them apart?
Cast includes Niamh Cusack, Stella Gonet and Felix Scott
Creatives include Indhu Rubasingham (Director), Rosa Maggiora (Designer), Matthew Eagland (Lighting Designer) and Tom Lishman (Sound Designer)
HANDBAGGED
by Moira Buffini
For over a decade Margaret Thatcher met the Queen for a weekly audience. With all her previous Prime Ministers the Queen enjoyed a fairly informal relationship, but with Mrs Thatcher, things were different. Handbagged speculates on the relationship between these two very powerful and private women.
Cast includes Stella Gonet, Kika Markham, Heather Craney, Claire Cox, Tom Mannion and Simon Chandler
Creatives include Indhu Rubasingham (Director), Rosa Maggiora (Designer), Matthew Eagland (Lighting Designer) and Tom Lishman (Sound Designer)
THE LIONESS
by Rebecca Lenkiewicz
Elizabeth I described herself as Queen, King and Prince, thriving in a male world and saving the country from debt and wars. Self-proclaimed wife and mother to England, her virgin status was part of her myth, as she consistently refused marriage citing herself as already taken. Here we see Elizabeth as both a woman and a leader and follow her encounters with two men, John Knox, the ultimate misogynist and Essex, her favourite.
Cast includes Niamh Cusack, Simon Chandler, Tom Mannion, Oliver Chris, John Hollingworth and Felix Scott
Creatives include Indhu Rubasingham (Director), Rosa Maggiora (Designer), Matthew Eagland (Lighting Designer) and Tom Lishman (Sound Designer)
BLOODY WIMMIN
by Lucy Kirkwood
The protests at Greenham Common were a political landmark of the eighties. But how much did Greenham impact the fight for nuclear disarmament, the progress of the women’s movement and the culture of protest itself? What is the legacy of Greenham Common?…‘It’s very easy to laugh at passion’.
Cast includes Claire Cox, Amy Loughton, Heather Craney, Felix Scott, Niamh Cusack, Amy Loughton, Stella Gonet, Oliver Chris, Simon Chandler, Tom Mannion, Amy Loughton, Heather Craney, John Hollingworth, Lara Rossi and Kika Markham
Creatives include Indhu Rubasingham (Director), Rosa Maggiora (Designer), Matthew Eagland (Lighting Designer) and Tom Lishman (Sound Designer)
VERBATIM ACCOUNTS
by Gillian Slovo
From leading politicians, edited from interviews she has recently conducted.
Cast includes Stella Gonet, Claire Cox, Kika Markham, Heather Craney, Lara Rossi and Amy Loughton