Joe Penhall’s multi-award-winning Blue/Orange is a contemporary classic.
Tiata Fahodzi’s radically new all-female production delivers a uniquely African perspective.
Blue/Orange is a passionate, witty and ultimately devastating exploration of institutional politics, mental health and race. Unfolding like a game of human chess the drama centres on a patient alternately bewildering and beguiling her medical consultants. Her stories of a damaged childhood in thrall to Idi Amin and a precarious urban London upbringing are plausible but are they true?
Is it more dangerous to keep her inside than to set her free?
“I came out of Joe Penhall’s new play in a state of hot, black excitement…’
The Sunday Times on Blue/Orange on its premiere at the National Theatre in 2000
Tiata Fahodzi was last at the Arcola Theatre in 2005 with its sell-out hit The Gods are not to Blame and returns following their remarkable, Olivier Award nominated, outstanding achievement of Iya-Ile (The First Wife) at Soho Theatre last year.
“Femi Elufowoju, jr’s production is exuberant and intense in equal measure … the sheer scope and humanity of the piece is a rare treat.” Time Out (Critics’ Choice) – Iya-Ile
Blue/Orange is presented by arrangement with Samuel French Limited.
There will be a post-show discussion after the 3pm performance on Saturday 20 November (co-hosted and sponsored by Tiata Fahodzi’s partners at the Aifya Trust)
BLUE/ORANGE
By Joe Penhall
Cast: Ayesha Antoine, Esther Hall, Helen Schlesinger
Directed by Femi Elufowoju, jr
Designed by ULTZ
Soundscape by Simon McCorry
Lighting by Jo Joelson
Casting by Louis Hammond
Running Time:
Part 1: 1 hour 23 min
Interval: 15 min
Part 2: 44 min
