The Maids

By Jean Genet & Translated by Martin Crimp

All her joy the product of our shame.

Two sisters, Solange and Claire, are maids to their wealthy, glamorous mistress in a big city apartment. When their Mistress is out they pass time in her luxurious bedroom in an obsessive game of roleplaying ‘servant and mistress’ blurring reality and fantasy. Acting out the power structures which define their lives suddenly an impossible idea becomes a shocking tangible reality.

Loosely inspired by a famous double-murder case this gripping psychological thriller explores power, identity, and rebellion. What does power do to those who lack it? What does power do to those who possess it? Jean Genet’s classic play has scandalised audiences since 1947 and Martin Crimp’s translation captures the brilliance and energy of his writing in what is one of the great plays of the 20th century.

Two Maids, one Mistress – a devious triangle of love, hatred and disgust. Darkly compelling, disturbingly resonant, and boldly theatrical this work explodes onto The Street stage.

The most original and provocative writer of his generation – The Times (London)
One of the most unremittingly moving works in the modernist repertory. – New York Times

Featuring
Christina Falsone as Solange
Sophia Marzano as Claire
Natasha Vickery as The Mistress

Director: Caroline Stacey
Designer: Kathleen Kershaw
Lighting Designer: Neil Simpson
Sound Designer: Kimmo Vennonen

A Street Produced Professional Theatre Production

Street Two | Unreserved | Duration 90 Minutes
Click here for information on accessibility.

Wed 28 May 6:30pm performance followed by a post-show Q&A

a special performance where the audience gets to ask cast and crew questions after the show

This is your chance to gain deeper insight into the work, ask questions about the artistic process, hear behind-the-scenes anecdotes and more with the cast and creative team.
The post-show Q&A is only available to ticketholders of that performance and are included in the ticket price.
These evenings are always very popular, so make sure you book in early!

Sunday 1 June 3pm - Pre-Show Forum
Pre-show Forum with special guests moderated by Australian National University Associate Professor Leslie Barnes, School of Literature, Languages and Linguistics

Hear more about Genet, his universe and the themes explored in his 20th century classic The Maids. Join in the conversation before the Sunday matinee performance.

This is a free event, but reservations are essential. Please RSVP with name and telephone number via rsvp@thestreet.org.au