Anatomy of a Suicide

by Alice Birch

seen at the Royal Court Theatre on 29 June 2017

Katie Mitchell directs Hattie Morahan (Carol), Kate O'Flynn (Anna) and Adelle Leonce (Bonnie) with support from seven other actors in multiple roles in this intense study of three generations of women, two of whom commit suicide.

Carol's story starts in 1972 when she is met by her husband just after a failed suicide bid, while Anna's story begins in 1998 when, almost crippled by drug use, she is confronted by a young intern whose hospitality and kindness she has abused. Bonnie, in 2033, is binding up the wounds (self-inflicted?) of Jo, a fisherwoman who is obviously attracted to her.

Our Country's Good

by Timberlake Wertenbaker

seen at the National Theatre (Olivier) on 13 October 2015

This play, based on Thomas Keneally's novel 'The Playmaker', imagines the background to the first known theatrical performance in the colony of New South Wales, which took place to mark the King;s birthday in 1789. The play was George Farquhar's 'The Recruiting Officer'. 'Our Country's Good' was first produced in 1988 at the Royal Court.