Peggy Shaw, one half of New York based duo Split Britches  brings a show which reflects on her life before and after her stroke in 2011 as part of the Barbican’s theatre season. 

Sombre and frisky in places, RUFF  is filled with autobiographical antidotes that are supported by video monitors, a green screen and her virtual back-up band. It is a solo show that confronts identity and change in life.

Peggy Shaw delivers her monologue with humour and honesty to tell audiences her experiences before and after her stroke.

While there might be blank spots in her memory now, it seems that by paying tribute to her family, friends and performers who have kept her company she is able to reflect on what was lost after the stroke but equally celebrates the space now left for a new insight.

She will teach audiences how to recognise the signs of a stroke with a new rendition of ‘The Hokey Cokey’ in a performance that is  ‘admirably unsentimental and often very funny indeed’ (New York Times). 

RUFF is on at the Silk Street Theatre as part of the Barbican Centre’s theatre and dance season from the 14th to the 16th April. For more information and to book tickets visit: http://www.barbican.org.uk/theatre/event-detail.asp?ID=18744.