A chilling adaptation of a cult horror classic from Maxine Peake, Sarah Frankcom and Imogen Knight.
Norah is new to the village. Alone in the house, is that the sound of a mouse scurrying? Or something much more sinister – a woman’s scream muffled by the wind? Perhaps she is just paranoid – or possessed. With the village closing in, Norah must fight for control of her body, fertility and ultimately her story. Will you be on Norah’s side – or is it all in her head?
Maxine Peake, Sarah Frankcom and Imogen Knight – co founders of Music, Art, Activism and Theatre (MAAT) – return with a retelling of John Bowen’s cult TV play Robin Redbreast. Transforming this psychological thriller into an immersive stage show, the trio join forces with acclaimed electronica artist Gazelle Twin and Booker Prize-shortlisted writer Daisy Johnson.
John Bowen’s Robin Redbreast was first broadcast in 1970 as part of the BBC’s famous Play For Today TV series. It gained notoriety when a national electrician’s strike caused a country-wide blackout mid-transmission and viewers had to wait three months to see the ending. Often seen as a precursor to The Wicker Man, Robin Redbreast’s themes of paganism and fertility sacrifice continue to grip horror audiences more than 50 years on.
Peake, Frankcom and Knight reimagine the original for the 21st century in their latest collaboration for Factory International following They (MIF23), The Nico Project (MIF19), The Skriker (MIF15) and The Masque of Anarchy (MIF13).
A tale of bodily autonomy, power and rebirth, Robin/Red/Breast is a striking and subversive adaptation for our times.
Book Robin/Red/Breast at Factory International
