‘The Maids’ returns to Unity Theatre after 30 years, in memory of former director Graeme Phillips

Jean Genet’s The Maids returns to Unity Theatre on 15th & 16th October after 30 years.

That Theatre Group CIC brings together stalwarts from Liverpool’s theatre scene in what was to be Graeme Phillips’ directorial follow-up to last year’s critically acclaimed Krapp’s Last Tape. 

Exploring themes of oppression, isolation and incarceration, Unity’s Artistic Director Elinor Randle will direct a modern and radical interpretation of the classic – fusing opera, spectacle and movement. The production is inspired by the Unity’s former Artistic Director, the late Graeme Phillips MBE, who originally directed the play first in 1992 and then began working on the new interpretation, but sadly died earlier this month. 

Producer and long-term partner, Peter Ward says: 

“The ruby ring in the advertising symbolises the 40 years Graeme and I had, and the hundreds of theatre projects we worked on. Our personal and professional lives were intertwined by a shared passion for creating new groundbreaking work, nurturing emerging talent and providing a platform for established artists to take risks. As his partner and co-producer for four decades, I hope that presenting his vision, in what would have been his directorial swan-song, will go some way to repairing my broken heart and he continues to inspire me to create more work with and for older people living in care.”

Director, Elinor Randle says:

“I’m thrilled to be working on this piece and to be carrying forward Graeme’s remarkable vision here at the Unity. It explores powerful themes of class struggle and power dynamics, while embracing a beautifully absurd style that allows for bold theatricality and movement. I feel fortunate to be collaborating with such a hugely talented team, and I can’t wait to see what we create together.”

This translation by Benedict Andrews and Andrew Upton was first performed on the 12th October 1987 at the Royal Shakespeare Company.” It contains explicit language and is suitable for ages 14+.

Accompanying the production, That Theatre Group has created a participatory programme with Afloatduring which refugees and asylum seekers, under the guidance of Phoebe McSweeney, will explore themes of oppression, isolation and incarceration, which will result in an exhibition in Unity’s foyer.

Residents in 50 care homes have also been invited to create a flower in memory of a loved one who is no longer with us. Their flowers will be exhibited in public spaces around the whole of the Unity.

Cameron McKendrick and Samuel Perez Duran star as the Maids, whilst Jane Hogarth reprises her celebrated role as the Mistress from the 1992 staging of the play.

She says:

“In the original production, I had the most spectacular entrance with flowers, lights, smoke you name it… It is a great role to play, but behind the glamour the Madam is utterly selfish and controlling making the lives of her Maids intolerable. The themes of feeling trapped and disenfranchised are so relevant for today’s audience with zero hour contracts and feeling of loss of control over your future. I’ve never had another entrance like it in 30 years, but am excited to see what Eli, Ashley and Phil have in store for me!”

A lavish set and Alexander McQueen inspired costumes will be designed by Ashley Shairp, who says…

“Graeme and I had been talking about the production for a few months, through words, pictures and eventually a model. Even though he was very poorly, he was captured drawing squares within squares, which is a motif I have tried to include in the final set design. Following the relentless flower imagery present in the text, I suggested early on that we set the whole play on a carpet of flowers. Graeme said, “I think we can play with that”. It is incredibly sad that Graeme won’t be part of this but I know we will all strive to keep his spirit present in the production and hopefully honour his visionary, magnificent life.”

As in the 1992 production, lighting will be provided by Phil Saunders, who says…

“I started working at Unity in the autumn of 1991 and, as I came to realise over the 30 odd years I was there, Graeme’s programme was packed, full on, and challenging! He asked me to design lighting for the show, and a particular scene he asked for ‘weird lighting’. I was never sure if he liked what I did, as he commented “It’s definitely weird”. I’m very happy to be revisiting “The Maids”, working again with Graeme’s ideas and realising them with such a fantastic team.”

Find out more on the Unity Theatre website.

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