Mrs Klein - Almeida Theatre
Preview by Lizzie Guilfoyle
THEA Sharrock will direct the first London revival of Nicholas Wright’s Mrs Klein at the Almeida Theatre, where it runs from October 29 (previews from October 22) to December 5, 2009.
In London in 1934, Melanie Klein is one of the most admired, yet controversial, psycho-analysts of her time, renowned for her unique insight into the secret world of childhood. But her relationship with her psycho-analyst daughter Melitta has been damaged almost beyond repair, and an unexpected message from abroad brings it to bitter confrontation.
The news also poses a mystery that even Mrs. Klein, despite her genius for analysis, cannot solve. It is left to her new assistant, a refugee from Hitler’s Berlin, to find a possible answer.
In 1998, Peter Gill directed Gillian Barge (in the title role), Francesca Annis and Zoe Wanamaker in Mrs Klein at the National Theatre. The production subsequently transferred to the West End. In 1995, the play opened on Broadway where William Carden directed Uta Hagan as the eponymous Mrs Klein.
Wright’s other plays include Cressida (Almeida at the Albery) and The Reporter and Vincent in Brixton (National Theatre). His many adaptations include Wedekind’s Lulu, Pirandello’s Naked, Ibsen’s John Gabriel Borkman, Chekhov’s Three Sisters, Pirandello’s Six Characters in Search of an Author and Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials.
Sharrock, who previously worked at the Almeida on Cloud Nine, has also directed Equus, A Voyage Round My Father, Heroes, The Emperor Jones, Happy Now?, Private Lives, Don Juan, Blithe Spirit, Betrayal, The Deep Blue Sea and The Fight for Barbara. Her production of As You Like It begins previewing at the Globe Theatre on May 30, 2009. She was previously Artistic Director of Southwark Playhouse and the Gate Theatre.
Mrs Klein is designed by Tim Hatley, with lighting by Neil Austin and sound by Ian Dickinson. Casting will be announced shortly.