Feast (a play in one cooking) is a novel piece inspired by Shakespeare’s dramaturgy and written by London-based Romanian actress Olivia Negrean. Six of the Bard’s female characters are brought to life by a cast of female actors of five different nationalities, including the writer herself.
As they start to understand each other’s lives, Isabella, Lady Macbeth, Ophelia, Lady Anne, Imogen and Emilia debate on the importance of literature and what it means to be a woman in a world-famous story.
Directed by Philip Parr, the play tackles various topics from feminism, equality, mental health, sisterhood and community to the right to speak one’s mind, magical realism and contemporary Shakespeare.
FEAST (a play in one cooking)
Writer: Olivia Negrean
Director: Philip Parr
Cast: Olivia Negrean, Sara Barison, Charlie Coletta, Lucy Ford, Hannah Lucas and Marie Rabe
Produced by: Parrabbola Theatre Company
Running time: 1 hour. The show will be performed in English.
“I had the urge to write this play in response to the Shakespeare plays that are being performed, where men still are the central characters. Female characters deserve longer time on stage, hence I wrote about a dinner for Shakespeare’s women. There is no main character, all six parts are equal and there is an important ensemble created. Having actresses of different nationalities play characters that are 90% of the time played by British actresses has again been extremely important. Shakespeare is a ‘universal language’ and deserves the chance to be played by a diverse cast. The reason real cooking is involved is because it is an important part of the plot and it also envelops the audience through the smells and visuals created. Eating is a social thing that brings people together. And at the end of the play that is exactly what happens: audience and actors are part of the same story.” – Olivia Negrean
Perfromances:
Wednesday 10 April, 19.00: Please register here.
Thursday 11 April, 19.00: Please register here.
Free entry. Please confirm your attendance on Eventbrite at the links above. Please note that seating is unreserved.
