from 20th February 2016
The Jamie Lloyd Company’s first production of 2016 will be the UK premiere of a contemporary adaptation of Jean Genet’s powerful psycho-drama, The Maids, with an all-star cast!!!
Uzo Aduba, (Orange is the New Black)
Zawe Ashton (Fresh Meat, Not Safe For Work)
Laura Carmichael (Downton Abbey)
Jamie Lloyd will direct the double Emmy winner Uzo Aduba together with Zawe Ashton and Laura Carmichael in Jean Genet’s masterpiece UK premiere of Benedict Andrews and Andrew Upton’s contemporary version of The Maids, from 20th February 2016 at Trafalgar Studios, London
In a luxurious bedroom, two maids, Solange and Claire (Uzo Aduba and Zawe Ashton) fantasise about killing their employer (Laura Carmichael), playing out dangerous and sadistic scenarios as they plan her violent death.
An intense psychological thriller seething with unique theatricality and brimming with intrigue, The Maids is a vicious analysis of the class system, and a provocative exploration of gender and sexuality.
The Maids will be designed by Soutra Gilmour.
Uzo Aduba said, ‘I wanted to be a part of The Jamie Lloyd Company because they’re interested in doing exciting work that is new, with a twist to it. It’s work with a fresh edge. Jamie reinvents classic plays in a way that we’ve never seen before or have explored before. That’s exciting as an actor. To be part of a play that allows for three women to mine such complex characters inside of an already rich and thrilling story, is the stuff that acting dreams are made on’
Zawe Ashton said, ‘Being a part of The Jamie Lloyd Company is an opportunity I’ve been coveting for a long time! Jamie and I are reuniting on this production, having worked together on Headlong’s production of Salome, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. I’ve always been so excited by his vision as a director and to not only be collaborating with him but with two exquisite actors like Uzo and Laura on this fresh take on a classic text, is very juicy indeed. The Maids is one of my favourite ever plays and Jamie is one of my very favourite directors to work with. He’s assembled such a dynamic company in every aspect and I know we all feel very excited about this unique material continuing to widen the reach the Trafalgar has when it comes to bringing a diverse and dynamic audience in through its doors.’
Laura Carmichael said, ‘I’m really looking forward to working on The Maids. Jamie is such an exciting director. I love the way he tackles these classic plays. He has a clear vision and a passion to attract young audiences that I think is really cool. I’m also a big fan of Uzo and Zawe so am really excited to be working them.’
As with The Jamie Lloyd Company’s previous productions, all tickets for Monday performances will be £15. Half of these will be made available through a special outreach scheme, targeted at schools and first-time theatregoers. The other half will be released monthly to the public on the first day of each month, and will be available online or at the Trafalgar Studios box office.
Booking Information | The MAIDS
Trafalgar Studios,
14 Whitehall, Westminster, SW1A 2DY
From 20th February 2016
Performances: Monday – Saturday at 7.30pm (All tickets £15 on Mondays)
Thursday & Saturday at 2.30pm
TICKETS WILL GO ON GENERAL SALE: TUESDAY 10 NOVEMBER FROM 10AM