A teenage pupil arrives at the home of a teacher for a private lesson. She is ready to learn and eager to please. But as she struggles to keep up, it soon becomes clear that her teacher has something more sinister in mind.

An unnerving exploration of language and power, The Lesson retains its ability to shock and disturb more than 50 years after its French premiere. The devastating simplicity of Ionesco’s play reveals the tyranny of logic and the dangers of education.

Eugene Ionesco
A new version by Mike Bartlett

Mike Bartlett’s play My Child will be produced at the Royal Court in May. His previous work includes the acclaimed radio play Not Talking (BBC Radio 3), Artifacts (Winner of the Old Vic New Voices Award) and Stuff I Buried in a Small Town (Hampstead Theatre).

‘One of the most exciting new talents to emerge in recent times’ The Stage