THE VISIONS OF SIMONE MACHARD
Play by Bertolt Brecht.
Hackney Empire / Miskin Theatre Dartford / Oystercatcher.
In 1940, as the Nazis are beginning to invade France, teenaged Simone Machard, works for a petrol station/hotel. Absorbed by the story of Joan of Arc, she dreams that her brother, a French soldier, has called upon her to save France. In dream interludes she identifies herself with Joan, seeing the people around her as historical figures. Inspired by a sense of mission, she feeds hungry refugees and, when the Germans arrive, sets fire to the hotel's gasoline supplies to prevent them from falling into the enemy's hands. At last she has a vision of being tried and sentenced to death; in fact, she is seized and sent to a mental institution.
‘strong direction… accomplished theatre’ - UKTheatrenet
Director: Tom Cooper
Set and costume design: Mike Lees
Movement: Mark Civil
Lighting design: Alex Watson
Photographs by Tom Cooper