Ian Grant’s new play, After the Ball, explores how our acts reverberate down the generations. Inspired by a true event in 1918 and an unresolved family memory, After the Ball is a gripping ensemble piece, spanning sixty years, about desire, personal responsibility and the devastating repercussions of human conflict.
London, 1914. As the Great War breaks out in Europe, Blanche and William meet at a dance and marry. They share a political passion for peace, but William enlists to fight in Belgium.
Amidst the horrors of the battlefield, he finds love with another woman, while Blanche is left at home with their baby. Exploring love and betrayal during the war, After the Ball tears open the scars created by horror and guilt, and lays bare the lasting effect of war on the women of this family for generations to come.
Directed by Nadia Papachronopoulou and produced by Time Productions, After the Ball was shortlisted for the Terence Rattigan Society New Play Award 2017.
Director Nadia Papachronopoulou comments, I am really passionate about presenting the female perspective and championing theatre that has strong female characters that are complicated, flawed and layered. What drew me to After the Ball is the effect war has on women. The protagonist of the play, Blanche, goes through so much pain during the First World War, yet still remains the rock of the family. I am fascinated by her strength and resilience to keep the family unit together, even when the war shatters her world.
After the Ball is at Upstairs at The Gatehouse 7th – 24th March 2018.
