Interview: Sophie Drake on The Bleeding Tree

Sophie Drake directs the landmark Australian play The Bleeding Tree coming to Southwark Playhouse Borough.

Having previously won the Griffin Award, the Helpmann Award for Best Play and the David Williamson Prize for Excellence in Writing for Australian Theatre, this moving yet darkly funny drama follows a mother and her two daughters who must go to extremes to survive.

Playing the family’s unflinching matriarch is RSC Associate Artist Mariah Gale (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare’s Globe; Henry VI: Rebellion, RSC; I May Destroy You, BBC). Mariah is a regular of the London stage who won the Ian Charleson Award for her first appearance at Southwark Playhouse (in ’Tis Pity She’s A Whore). In the roles of her daughters are screen star Elizabeth Dulau (Andor, Disney+; All the Light We Cannot See, Netflix) as Ida, and esteemed AACTA-nominated Australian actress Alexandra Jensen (Talk to Me, A24; The Messenger, ABC), who makes her UK stage debut as Ada.

The Bleeding Tree is at Southwark Playhouse Wednesday 29th May – Saturday 22nd June

You’re directing The Bleeding Tree at Southwark Playhouse, what can you tell us about the show?

The Bleeding Tree is a gripping revenge thriller about a mother and her two daughters who take action against adversity in their lives. It’s a blend of poetic wordplay, dark humour and fierce analysis of complicity within communities as the women navigate a life-altering situation.

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What was it about the script that made you want to be part of the production?

Angus’ writing is unlike anything I’ve read. It’s bold, witty, lyrical, incredibly sharp and requires acute precision and craft from its actors. The storyline intrigued me and the idea of presenting a play with three women leading also appealed. The play is robust and daring, which is an exciting offer to a director.

Tell us a little about the cast and what you’ve enjoyed most about working with them?

I feel inordinately lucky to be working with this group of actors. Mariah Gale, Elizabeth Dulau and Alexandra Jensen have all taken on the challenge of Angus’ writing with deft skill. They are individually captivating and as an ensemble offer a dynamism and muscularity that make them incredibly compelling to watch.

And what have you found most challenging about directing The Bleeding Tree?

Although only performed by three actors, there are a plethora of characters in The Bleeding Tree, so staging the show and organising the aspects of multi-rolling has been challenging. We’ve chosen to use minimal props and scenic elements, solely relying on storytelling through the voice, body and performance. This has meant we’ve needed to be extremely precise in the staging of the show, from tiny details like eyeline to larger staging choices when introducing new characters.

What makes Southwark Playhouse the ideal venue for this play?

Southwark Playhouse is known for its eclectic programming and interest in supporting artists of all levels. This show fits perfectly into The Little, as it offers an immediacy and intimacy with the audience which feels vital for this play.

What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see The Bleeding Tree?

It’s a 60-minute unflinching thriller which promises three phenomenal central performances. Do it!