Award-winning Atticist and Ellie Keel Productions return with a new play based on an old myth, about passion, power, and photosynthesis. A contemporary fast-paced thriller with ancient roots, SAP is directed by Offie-nominated Jessica Lazar (Anna Bella Eema, Arcola Theatre; Outlying Islands, King’s Head Theatre; Dangerous Giant Animals, Edinburgh Fringe/United Solo Fest New York/Park Theatre). This debut play by Rafaella Marcus is a queer urban fable about bisexuality and what we allow people to believe.
When a woman tells a lie to her girlfriend, a seed is planted that starts to grow in the darkness. Now roots are cracking up through the pavement and branches are coming in at the windows, and – as she starts to see things that no one else can – she becomes the focus of some seriously unwanted attention.
Rafaella Marcus comments, I’ve been writing this play for a long time – long enough to reflect on the changing complexity and nuance of how we talk about bisexuality. I hope it speaks to both the beauty and pain of revealing who you are in a world that would find it easier for you to be something else.
Designed by Rūta Irbīte with lighting design by David Doyle, Composition and Sound Design by Tom Foskett-Barnes, and Movement Direction by Jennifer Fletcher, the production marks the first return of Atticist to the festival where they won the Carol Tambor Best of Edinburgh Award in 2016 with Life According to Saki.
The play draws inspiration from the myth of ‘Daphne and Apollo’. It will be performed in the round and feature an original score, immersing audiences in a world that is The Song of Achilles meets Killing Eve.
Director Jessica Lazar says, In 2019, when Rafaella showed me the first pages of what would become SAP I fell in love at first sight. It really is so good that you won’t believe it’s Rafaella’s debut play and I’m so glad to be finally able to share it with audiences.
Rafaella Marcus is a 2021 MGCFutures bursary winner and JMK Award Finalist. Her work focuses on bringing marginalised voices to the stage, especially women. SAP is produced by Atticist, a 10-time Offie-nominated company, and EKP (Ellie Keel Productions); in 2022 EKP was shortlisted for Producer of the Year in The Stage Awards.
