Skip to main content
1981

Ripen Our Darkness

Written by Sarah Daniels

Play Details

Context

Artistic Director 
Max Stafford-Clark

Dates Performed

Monday 7th September 1981
Jerwood Theatre Upstairs

Play Details

Synopsis

The play intricately weaves the lives of mothers and daughters as they navigate the challenges posed by misogynistic fathers, brothers, and strangers. Each character has a unique storyline, but the focus is predominantly on Mary. Trapped in a marriage with a cruel, ineffectual husband and mother to three sons, Mary also grapples with her estrangement from her lesbian daughter. This narrative artfully balances elements of both tragedy and comedy, reflecting the complexities of familial relationships and societal pressures

 

Director(s)

Carole Hayman

Cast & Creative

Cast

David Calder

Cast

John Gillert

Cast

Carole Harrison

Cast

Cecily Hobbs

Cast

Janette Legge

Cast

Gwen Taylor

Cast

Sarah Daniels

Designer

Mary Moore

What our readers say

 

This play feels remarkably progressive for its time and is brilliantly crafted. It has aged very well, effectively addressing themes of second-wave feminism by critically examining the ways men often confine women to traditional roles and sometimes even manipulate them into despair. Though rooted in its time period, the play’s clever and sharp writing makes it appealing to a broad audience. Its insightful and engaging dialogue ensures that it resonates with both older and younger viewers, making it a relevant and thought-provoking piece.