When the mistress is away, the maids will play, presented by Phizzical Productions
2009-03-23
A poisoned teacup, a mysterious 'Monsieur', a profusion of flowers and two sisters caught up in a fantasy of conspiracy and murder. When left alone in the house, maids Claire and Solange indulge in secret rituals of hatred and revenge, directed against their wealthy employer. They both love and hate their mistress and are drawn daily to act out fantasies of power and submission. Will the game ever reach its conclusion and with what consequences?
Leicester based theatre Phizzical Productions present Jean Genet's notorious first play 'The Maids'. A leading figure in the avant-garde theatre movement, Genet's play transposes the tale to 19th century India demonstrating the politics of power and class, and where the stylistic and expressionistic nuances lend themselves to the illusory world inhabited by the maids.
On a nationwide tour since February, 'The Maids' is directed by Samir Bhamra, featuring a cast of male and female actors, where the male actors also play as women. "I wanted to present something beautiful and bizarre/grotesque - because this is the world we live in. Everything around us is disguised better, we hide our prejudices better. Women in our world today work hard, play hard, and make hard decisions. They do the work of a man, and often better than a man. Where does this leave men? A Man seems to be searching for a new identity. We've seen 'the sensitive man', 'the metro-sexual' and it is becoming more acceptable to be aware and present their feminine side. As a whole, there has been a shift - women are becoming more masculine and men are becoming more feminine - and that for me - is both beautiful and bizarre" Bhamra, explains.
Well it's certain that you'll have to go and watch 'The Maids' to understand how different genders play with the roles, and how far you are willing to stretch your imaginary world.
Touring from: 20 February - 9 May 2009
Friday 20 - Saturday 21 February 8 pm
THE Y 7 East Street, Leicester LE1 6EY
Wednesday 25 - Saturday 28 February & Thursday 5 - Saturday 7 March 7.45 pm
WATERMANS 40 High Street, Brentford TW8 0DS
Sunday 8 March 7.30 pm
HARROW ARTS CENTRE Uxbridge Road, Hatch End HA5 4EA
Tuesday 10 March 7.30 pm
BYRE THEATRE Abbey Street, St. Andrews, Fife KY16 9LA
Tuesday 17 March 7.30 pm
ARENA THEATRE Wulfruna Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1SE
Thursday 19 March 7.45 pm
STAHL THEATRE West Street, Oundle PE8 4EJ
Thursday 26 - Friday 27 March 7.30 pm
RICH MIX 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA
Tuesday 31 March 7.30 pm
WILDE THEATRE South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, RG12 7PA
Saturday 9 May 7.30 pm
CANOLFAN UCHELDRE CENTRE Millbank, Holyhead LL65 1TE
