A new contemporary response to Sophocles’ Electra will premiere at Camden People’s Theatre this November as writer and performer Sophie Max presents Sharp Edges, a darkly comic one-woman play examining trauma, family violence and the search for justice.
Running from 11 to 14 November, Sharp Edges follows Ellie, a young woman haunted by a childhood shaped by violence, loss and unanswered questions. Looking back on her past, she finds herself confronting her relationship with her mother and contemplating a long-planned act of retribution.
Inspired by the themes of Electra, the play reimagines the ancient Greek tragedy in a modern setting, exploring how cycles of violence can shape a life and whether they can ever truly be broken.
The production is presented in partnership with charity One in Four, which supports survivors of child sexual abuse, violence and trauma. Information about the charity’s work and support services will be available throughout the run.
Writer and performer Sophie Max said: “The story of Electra has always resonated deeply for me: as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and long-time advocate for ending violence against women and girls, I saw, in her, a mirror – a girl shaped by violence, grief, and confusion, trying to make sense of a fractured world and family. I wrote Sharp Edges inspired by this Electra, reimagining and placing Ellie in a contemporary world, and thousands of years on, the story is still so relevant.”
She continued: “Ellie is piecing together a past she doesn’t fully understand, reckoning with violence, sexual violence, and betrayal from those who should have protected her. Yet my Ellie is fierce, dry, defiant, and funny, despite it all. I hope audiences fall in love with Ellie as much as I have and consider what it means to grow up in darkness and still fight for light. I hope people leave warned of the terrible impact of growing up how Ellie does, questioning how we can choose a different path, reminded that we have agency to change things, and inspired to try.”
Max’s previous writing credits include Til It Stops, which was longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Playwriting, and Banned, which was presented at the Bush Theatre before transferring to The Hope Theatre.
The production is directed by Blair McAlpine, with set design by Jida Akil, lighting design by Laurel Marks and sound design by José Guillermo Puello. Producer Zac Hamilton Wancke presents the production.
Sharp Edges runs for 75 minutes without an interval and is recommended for audiences aged 14 and above. Content warnings include references to violence, murder and childhood sexual abuse.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
