by Steve Gooch / Directed by Jessica Hutchings
23-25 April and 29 April-2 May
 |
| Images: Barry Parsons Photography |
“Farewell to old England for ever.”
In 19th century England the prisons are overcrowded and petty crime is rife. The solution? Punishment by transportation.
Six women are sentenced to a life of hard labour in the Australian penal colonies. But first they must survive the brutal journey across the seas. Kept locked in their cell
aboard the convict ship, these women have little idea of what lies ahead of them. Enduring exploitation and violence in close quarters, where emotions from convicts and crew alike are as unpredictable and turbulent as the ocean, they must fight not just for their lives but for their very humanity.
Contains strong language, depiction of hanging, violence and sexual assault, and loud noises.
This amateur production is presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd on behalf of Samuel French Ltd www.concordtheatricals.co.uk.
***
"If you are offended by the c-word, do not see this play. If you feel you may rejoice in its repeated use, by a defiant (beyond her own detriment) yet strangely vicariously empowering ‘Nance’, see this play. If themes of sexual power-play and the myriad of abuses therein make you flinch, be prepared to flinch. If a woman owning her own sexual power is not your thing, you won’t like ‘Charlotte’. If an abusive ‘Sarge’ played with a truly terrifying kind of skilful conviction is currently beyond that which you dare to witness - you’re not ready for this play and its soul-shattering, trauma-triggering kind of truths. If you’re not prepared for women’s wiles coming to prove themselves as the survival instinct that gets them through, over and above the clear moral leanings of a male minority with whom your sympathy will be keenly felt, don’t even attempt to withstand the traumatic sense of contempt within which these women struggle to keep hold of themselves, degraded and deprived against their will, which strangely flourishes as the sheer brutality sets in. This is not light entertainment, this is not for the faint-hearted. It’s about as hard-hitting as it gets but there are the kind of gallows humour laughs and sheer brazenness that keeps the looming sense of despair at bay, for most if not all. You could Google the reviews on the internet and learn about the perceived deficiencies in the script. You could take away different sound bites from reputable reviewers such as ‘it makes for an entertaining evening which provides roles for a wide range of actresses which is refreshing to see’. That particular c*nt missed the point methinks. It is stark, it is brazen, it is uncomfortable and a difficult watch. And that is what makes it a must-see." Charlotte
"Really enjoyed this. Brilliant acting." Diane
"Well done to all involved - the set was evocative snd atmospheric, enhanced perfectly by top quality sound and lighting. And so to the performances... we saw the top deck males, worrying about commodities and trade offs juxtaposed with the women below, coping with deep trauma and physical hardship in an attempt to survive in Australia. Congratulations to a brilliant, cohesive cast who immersed us in their stories and the voyage into the unknown." Clare Williamson - Chair, Sewell Barn, and FOH Manager
"The feeling of being on board ship created by the company is so real I advise taking sea sickness tablets with you [just in case]. Seriously - a great production. Well done." Jane
"Female Transport is replete with sex and violence and some positively unladylike language, as the subject demands.... this play is well worth seeing at the Barn, if only to make us pause and reflect on how it is so often women who suffer most from cynical and punitive governance driven by profit and expedience. Oppression and division are bedmates, we need to remember this when we cast our votes in a few weeks time." Julian Swainson, Norwich Eye [click here for full review]
