The Dissent

Phaedra, Icarus and Ariadne are uniting to smash the patriarchy for a second shot at life and demanding why, two and a half thousand years later, the same questions are being asked of them.

The Dissent follows three women who are in hell. Literally. Now they’re fighting to retell their version of the myths, but how can they give their accounts when history, the justice system, and language itself is not designed for women?  Playful, provocative and poetic at times, The Dissent uses prose and physicality, contrasted with clown and parody to explore injustice, the language of the patriarchy, and the role it plays in oppressing women’s agency over their own bodies.

The Dissent was originally workshopped for Fourth Monkey’s Experimental Fringe 2021 and selected to premiere at VAULT Festival 2022 as part of Generation V. After the festival’s cancellation it was developed for IdeasLAB 2022 at Theatre Royal Plymouth. 

“Hysterically clever”

“Energetic. Captivating. Funny”

“Unique and political retelling of mythology with women at the forefront”

(Audience feedback from Theatre Royal Plymouth IdeasLAB)

Content warnings: Occasional use of strong language. Mentions of suicide and violence against women.

Recommended viewing age: 13+

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Cast:

Ruby Blue Tansey-Thomas

Libby Boyd

Charlotte Boyle

About the company:

Themis Theatre is an all-female collective which was founded in 2021 on a commitment to centring women’s narratives. Our work takes on traditional Greek myths, retelling the stories with a modern twist as a tool to examine ongoing issues faced by women and, ultimately, channelling trauma into theatre as an act of protest.

Join us on Twitter: @ThemisTheatre  /  Instagram: @themistheatre  

by Libby Boyd