Leeds Arts Centre is proud to present Jean Genet‘s provocative masterpiece “The Maids” at the Carriageworks Theatre for a limited three-day engagement, Thursday 1 May to Saturday 3 May 2025.
A DANGEROUS GAME OF IDENTITY AND OBSESSION
In the opulent confines of a luxurious French apartment, two sisters serve their wealthy employer, Madame. Behind closed doors, their servitude transforms into a sinister ritual—taking turns to impersonate their mistress in an elaborate roleplay that serves as rehearsal for a murder they’ve never been able to execute.
As their plot begins to unravel, the boundaries between performance and reality blur, threatening to expose the sisters’ darkest secrets and desires.
Inspired by the infamous Papin sisters’ murder case, Jean Genet’s “The Maids” remains as shocking and relevant today as when it first scandalized audiences in 1947. This bold, thought-provoking production invites audiences to become voyeurs to a dangerous game of power, identity and class struggle.
Director Francesca Butler explains her connection to the play:
“What drew me to ‘The Maids’ was the opportunity to work with a small cast of talented and engaged actors on a piece that is complex and open to interpretation. Jean Genet’s background as a social outsider and his exploration of power and societal roles fascinated me. The play examines how your place in society changes how you view yourself and those around you, including those closest to you.
I’m particularly interested in the idea of being trapped in a social role and questioning morality relative to circumstance. The Maids are deeply complex and compelling characters, and I love the continual shift in power dynamics between them and Madame.”
PERFORMANCE DETAILS
- Dates: Thursday 1 May – Saturday 3 May 2025
- Venue: Main Stage, Carriageworks Theatre, Leeds
- Times: 7:30pm (Thursday, Friday, Saturday)
- Matinee: 2:00pm (Saturday)
- Tickets: £15
- Age Guidance: Suitable for audiences 15+
BOOKING INFORMATION
- Online: carriageworkstheatre.co.uk
- Box Office: 0113 376 0318
- Email: [email protected]
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Images taken from rehearsals.
