Shakespeare’s Sister

1980 & 1982

Four brides in radiant white glide across the stage and through their domestic tasks. Exploding ovens, boxing gloves and a live cockerel also appear on stage as the brides are instructed in the wifely arts by two kindly but stern grandmothers, played by men. One bride hides in a fridge to escape their supervision and sings “someday my prince will come”. A physically bold and surreal piece of theatre, inspired by Virginia Woolf’s tragic fantasy figure.

  • Written by Theatre de l'Aquarium
  • Translator Gillian Hanna

Cast

1980 PRODUCTION
I.C.A. LONDON
Chris Bowler
Performer
David Bradford
Performer
Josefina Cupido
Performer
Gillian Hanna
Performer
Mary McCusker
Performer
John Slade
Performer
Hannah Beardon
The Child

*At Edinburgh Festival, Little Lyceum Theatre.

Production Team

1980 PRODUCTION
I.C.A. LONDON
Hilary Westlake
Director
Gemma Jackson
Designer
Steve Whitson
Lighting Designer
Gus Garside
Administration
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1982 PRODUCTION
TOUR and FESTIVALS
Jan Sargent
Director

Places and dates

Institute of Contemporary Arts, London
02/12/1980 - 20/12/1980
Gardner Centre, Brighton
16/02/1982 - 20/02/1982
Drill Hall, London
23/02/1982 - 27/02/1982
Northampton Arts Centre
04/03/1982 - 05/03/1982
Raph Thoresby Arts Centre, Leeds
08/03/1982 - 09/03/1982
York Arts Centre, York
11/03/1982 - 13/03/1982

‘Superb… it is a joy to see how Monstrous Regiment exploit surrealistic and expressionist techniques and give them a blazing theatrical life and function. Music, song, pantomime, lighting, choral speaking and symbolism all play their parts… the cumulative impact of Hilary Westlake’s rapier-sharp production is devastating.’
Nicholas de Jongh The Guardian Dec 1980

Images

Words

Publicity and Press cuttings December 1980 ICA London

A selection of reviews

Script for Shakespeare’s Sister

Publicity Spring 1982 Tour

Programme and Publicity Summer 1982 Festivals