The Maids by Jean Genet is set to debut at Jermyn Street Theatre in a translation by Martin Kemp. Directed by Annie Kershaw, this dark and thrilling play dives deep into themes of power, fantasy, and revenge. It follows two maids, Solange and Claire, who roleplay as mistress and maid, only for their game to take a dangerous turn. This production marks the first collaboration between Jermyn Street Theatre and Reading Rep Theatre, with the latter making its London debut as a co-producer.
Annie Kershaw’s direction, combined with Martin Kemp’s translation and a talented cast, ensures this version of The Maids will be an intense and gripping experience for audiences. With stunning set design by Cat Fuller and lighting by Catja Hamilton, the production is set to be a visual and emotional powerhouse.
Don’t miss The Maids at Jermyn Street Theatre. Book your tickets now at Jermyn Street Theatre website.
You’re bringing The Maids to Jermyn Street Theatre—what can you tell us about the show?
It’s about two sisters who are maids and plot and fantasise about killing their mistress. Our play sits in a world where things are not quite as they seem, and the lines between dream and reality are blurred.
Jean Genet’s work is known for its complex themes of power and identity. What approach are you taking to make this production stand out?
All I can do is serve the text and create a production that I would enjoy watching. This starts from my first read—I keep in mind what excited me about it and let that form the basis of my concept. Then, on subsequent reads, it’s about testing the concept, developing ideas about how to draw out moments, and visualising those themes that excite me, such as the power dynamic. This play is unique and wild in its portrayal of power between three female characters. I like to think my choices and interventions in the play have been bold, which I believe is what this text demands—it’s pretty wild.
The play’s characters engage in dangerous roleplay. How do you plan to capture the psychological tension between the two sisters, Solange and Claire?
By treating the roleplay like their ideal reality, which could easily become actual reality. If they get so involved and lost in this form of escapism, the dangerous game they play is always at risk of going too far.
This production is a co-production with Reading Rep Theatre. How has this collaboration influenced your approach to the show?
Jermyn Street Theatre calls for such detail, as every breath is felt from their jewel of a stage. Meanwhile, Reading Rep calls for clear and punchy gestures to get meaning and narrative to the back of their theatre. So my concept had to tie those two different languages together. I’m really excited to see how it works in each space.
What has it been like working with this talented cast, particularly Anna Popplewell, Carla Harrison-Hodge, and Charlie Oscar, in bringing this dark and intense play to life?
I had worked with Anna Popplewell before on Hedda Gabler about two years ago. She’s incredibly generous, intelligent, and brilliant at what she does.
I haven’t worked with Carla Harrison-Hodge and Charlie Oscar before, but they have both been triumphant in the rehearsal room. They’ve caught on quickly to my process, and their contributions in the room are brilliant.
This play takes some swift turns and is quite an undertaking. This cast has been diving right into the complexity of the text. Our work to decipher and find the truth in it has felt like a great process.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see The Maids?
- I hope it leaves you with lots to talk about.
- I hope you find it both beautiful and ugly at the same time.
- You’re in for some cracking performances from our cast.
THE MAIDS RUNS AT JERMYN STREET THEATRE FROM 9 -22 JANUARY 2025 – FOR TICKETS AND MORE INFO http://www.jermynstreettheatre.co.uk/
The PRODUCTION THEN RUNS AT READING REP THEATRE FROM 28 JANUARY TO 8 FEBRUARY – FOR TICKETS AND MORE INFO – http://www.readingrep.com/
