Real life psychiatrist turned actor Dr Julian Bird plays the controversial founder of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud, in the European debut Freud’s Last Session at The King’s Head Theatre.
The first of September, 1939. Sigmund Freud, the world renowned psychoanalyst awaits the visit of soon to be legendary author C.S. Lewis on the day World War 2 is declared. Lewis, a former atheist turned Christian is expecting to be taken to task for his recent satirisation of Freud in a book. However, the impending war and Freud’s failing health catalyses a far deeper conversation as they clash about the existence of God, love, sex, and the meaning of life – only two weeks before Freud, with his doctor’s help, takes his own.
Through an imagined conversation between a psychiatrist on the brink and the academic who would go on to write books steeped in theology, the play gives a heightened tension to the age old questions of faith, love, sex and existence itself.
Freud’s Last Session makes its Eurpoean debut at the King’s Head Theatre featuring real life Psychiatrist turned actor Dr Julian Bird (Eastenders, The Tudors) playing the titular role.
Director Peter Darney said, “Freud’s Last Session may be based in 1939 – but it feels so relevant and not just because Freud and CS Lewis’ work still touches us today. The play looks at a time when the potential for tragedy increased and the norms of peoples lives were disrupted; and how that catalyses thinking around what’s really important. What we believe in. What we will fight for. And when it’s time to surrender”
Nearly There Productions was founded 15 years ago to explore psychological issues. The company had dramatic success with Meslier at the Edinburgh festival (Scotsman *****) which transferred to The Kings Head Theatre as The Last Priest.
Freud’s Last Session is at The King’s Head Theatre 18th January to 22nd February 2022.
