Airswimming, directed by Andy Cork and Co-Directed by Emma Firman, is a darkly funny story of two women and how they support each other through fifty years of incarceration in an institution.
In the early 20th century it was not unknown for women who didn’t fit in or who were different to be declared ‘moral imbeciles’ and shut in institutions, away from the rest of the world to spare their families the disgrace of their differences.
But how do you survive 50 years in St Dymphna’s Hospital for the Criminally Insane? How do you cope with the outside when you are ‘released’, into a world you no longer recognise?
Dora and Persephone cling to each other and take it in turns to support one another through the years with humour, alter egos and a Doris Day wig.
This beautifully written play reminds us of the need to show compassion and understanding about the plight of our fellow human beings.
Julie Butterworth, Co-founder of the Old Bag Theatre Company said: “As Old Bags we aim to offer a platform for older women to develop confidence and self-worth and whilst most of us have not had to face the kinds of problems the characters in this piece have, we all know the fears and issues that often accompanies getting older in a society that favours the young.”
When: Saturday 11 March, 7.30pm
Tickets: £10
Suitable for ages 12+