★★★★ ‘in Kate Budgen’s muscular revival the beast is given full rein… though the walls of Southwark Playhouse shake, she is never in danger of losing control in a production that is as stylish as it is visceral… Bill Ward gives a tormented and towering performance‘
Time Out

New York City. 1922. Yank has spent his life shovelling coal on an ocean liner. Brutish, powerful and commanding, he knows where he belongs: in the stokehold. But when the daughter of a wealthy industrialist decides to slum it and see life below deck, Yank’s universe changes forever. Unable to forget the way she looked at him, Yank hits the booming streets of New York to seek revenge.

With unflinching theatrical force and explosive lyricism, Eugene O’Neill explores the tragedy of a forgotten voice and the perennial human need to belong.

Monday, 21 May 2012
Exorcism

After Exorcism premiered in 1920 Eugene O’Neill destroyed every surviving copy. In 2012 it was rediscovered. Experimenting with many of the themes that would come to shape his work, Exorcism offers a glimpse of the later maturity as a young Eugene O’Neill grapples with self-identity and tragedy.

Tuesday, 22 May 2012
The W-Project

“17% of the plays performed across the UK were by female playwrights” yet in 2008 “68% of theatregoers were female”

Launched on the 8th of March 2011, on the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day, the W-Project celebrates and champions the work of inspirational women – both established and emerging – within the creative and cultural industries.
The W-project we will be hosting a panel discussion, with a director Kate Budgen, film director Elisha Smith-Leverock and playwright Samantha Ellis which will seek to explore the under-representation of female directors in theatre and in the creative industries more generally.

Saturday, 26 May 2012
Post Show Discussion with Kate Budgen (Director) and cast members.

A chance to chat to director Kate Budgen and the cast after the show and gain an insight into the process behind rehearsing The Hairy Ape.

Monday, 28 May 2012
Post Show talk with Dr Cynthia Lawford

Dr. Cynthia Lawford will discuss O’Neill’s time spent at sea and friendship with a herculean stoker, the U.S. government’s involvement in strike-busting, and the fashion among wealthy young ladies for “slumming it” in New York City.