The National Theatre will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first women in the U.K. gaining the right to vote with a series of staged readings, talks, and events, as well as a free exhibition. Included in the lineup of readings for Courage Everywhere will be Bryna Turner's play about the women's suffrage movement, Bull in a China Shop, seen Off-Broadway at LCT3 last spring.
Bull in a China Shop will be presented November 17 with direction by Phyllida Lloyd. The lineup of readings also includes And Others, curated by Susan Croft, Graeae and the NT, directed by Jenny Sealey (November 15); In the Parlour by Judy Tate, and Magda, Jo, Isabella by Saviana Stanescu, Aoise Stratford, and Lyrae Van Clief-Stefanon, directed by Dawn Walton (November 16); Her Naked Skin by Rebecca Lenkiewicz, directed by Nadia Fall (November 17); and Votes for Women by Elizabeth Robins, directed by Lyndsey Turner (November 18).
The readings will complement additional programming that includes Scarlett Curtis chairing a discussion on the impact of women’s voices on society; an exploration of women’s poetry with Sheila Atim, Joanna Lumley, and Indira Varma; and Naomi Paxton revealing the stories she has discovered while curating Dramatic Progress—a free exhibition that will run in the NT's Lyttelton Lounge.
"This year has seen a wealth of work, art and conversation reflecting this centenary milestone and the NT is proud to be joining the celebration with Courage Everywhere," says producer Faye Merralls. "The season features a brilliantly eclectic mix of readings: from plays contemporary to the Suffragette movement; to thoroughly modern reflections, and a brand new piece that gives voice to the previously marginalized areas of the movement. The weekend is a celebration of how far we have come and what has been achieved as a result of the courage of many. It is also a moment to look to what progress is required in the years ahead. This season aims to provoke those questions about the future."
For more information visit NationalTheatre.org.uk/shows/courage-everywhere.
