The first production of the Jamie Lloyd Company’s 2016 season will be a production of Jean Genet’s psycho-drama The Maids. This UK premiere production will take place at the Trafalgar Studios from the 20th February to the 21st May 2016.
This new translation by Benedict Andrews and Andrew Upton is a contemporary adaptation of the play and will star Uzo Aduba, Zawe Ashton and Laura Carmichael.
It is an intense psychological thriller which sees two maids fantasise about killing their employer, playing out dangerous and sadistic scenarios as they plan her violent death.
The production will feature designs by Soutra Gilmour. Uzo Aduba and Zawe Ashton will play the maids, Solange and Claire, while Laura Carmichael will play Madam.
This translation by Upton and Andrews was first seen at the Sydney Theatre Company in 2014. The play is an analysis of the class system and an exploration of gender and sexuality.
Orange is the New Black star Uzo Aduba said: “I wanted to be a part of The Jamie Lloyd Company because they’re interested in doing exciting work that is new, with a twist to it. It’s work with a fresh edge. Jamie reinvents classic plays in a way that we’ve never seen before or have explored before.”
Zawe Ashton spoke of reuniting with director Jamie Lloyd: “Being a part of The Jamie Lloyd Company is an opportunity I’ve been coveting for a long time! Jamie and I are reuniting on this production, having worked together on Headlong’s production of Salome, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. I’ve always been so excited by his vision as a director and to not only be collaborating with him but with two exquisite actors like Uzo and Laura on this fresh take on a classic text, is very juicy indeed.”
Downtown Abbey star Laura Carmichael echoed their words saying: “Jamie is such an exciting director. I love the way he tackles these classic plays. He has a clear vision and a passion to attract young audiences that I think is really cool.”
As with The Jamie Lloyd Company’s previous productions, all tickets for Monday performances will be £15. Half of these will be made available through a special outreach scheme, targeted at schools and first-time theatregoers. The other half will be released monthly to the public on the first day of each month, and will be available online or at the Trafalgar Studios box office.
Tickets for The Maids will go on general sale on Tuesday 10th November at 10am. It appears at the Trafalgar Studios from the 20th February to the 21st May.