Interview: Wendy Beckett on Sappho at Southwark Playhouse

Wendy Beckett is the writer of Sappho, and will also co-direct the production for its premiere at Southwark Playhouse Elephant.

Wendy Beckett and Adam Fitzgerald co-direct Georgie Fellows (Sappho), Emmanuel Akwafo (Narrator), Eleanor Kane (Adore), Fanos Xenofos (Pittacus), Jumoké Fashola (Cleis), Velile Tshabalala (Mrs Obstinatus / Aphrodite), Aidan Banyard (Mr Obstinatus /Hephaestus), Kostas Tekkis (Dancer), Aaron Bladen (Dancer), Lucy Mackay (Dancer), Roann Hassani McCloskey (Chorus Leader) and Andrew Franklin (Chorus Leader) in this new satirical play inspired by the famous Greek poet – integrating the original poetry with contemporary music and dance.

Sappho premières at Southwark Playhouse Elephant on 8 May, with previews from 3 May, and runs until 25 May.

Sappho is coming to Southwark Playhouse, what can you tell us about this new play?

Sappho is a story about the young lesbian Greek female poet from antiquity.  It has dance, a singing chorus and lots of gallivanting lesbians. Funny and classic it offers a lighthearted evening of entertainment that will bring a smile to your lips on leaving the theatre.

What inspired you to write it?

I was inspired to write this play because of an interest in  gay politics and what better time to celebrate difference and equality than now. I wanted to move away from the stereotypes and present the most famous of lesbians, the poet SAPPHO . There is an emerging interest in how women are situated within history, even in gay history the women are pretty absent. Sappho l believe addresses this  but in a lighthearted and amusing way.

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What appealed to you about bringing together ancient poetry and modern music?

Ancient poetry and modern music make the sentiment of the times more accessible. It brings the gay world and the world of antiquity into closer focus when homosexuality was normalised . The modern music helps us relate to the modern day issues.

It’s been a hit internationally, what are you looking forward to most about bringing it to London?

I am fascinated to see after touring Greece with Sappho whether the English audiences will appreciate the satire and over the top humour. Satire has historically been a part of English theatre so I hope they will enjoy it and go away thinking that was fun and interesting at the same time.

You’ve written and directed many plays in the past, how do you keep your work fresh?

I try to keep the work new every time, no two plays I write are ever alike and this one has been a hoot to write. Lots of exaggeration and fun throughout . The yearning, the tragedy, the comedy- and where better to locate it than in  ancient Greece, the original home of theatre.

What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Sappho?

If you are booking for SAPPHO expect a night of the unexpected!