1666

Plague

Heroine and Healer or Wanton and Witch?

 

When an infected bolt of cloth carries plague to an isolated village, a housemaid named Anna Frith must find the strength to confront the disintegration of her community and the lure of illicit love. Can love, humanity and hope triumph against desolation, despair and superstition? An adaptation of the internationally acclaimed novel by the team that brought you The Tin Ring:

 

Adapted for Stage by Mike Alfreds and Jane Arnfield

From the book by Geraldine Brooks

Directed by Mike Alfreds

Performed by Jane Arnfield

 

‘I am particularly fond of single-actor performances and Jane Arnfield exemplifies the best of that.’ Ruth Rendell

“Year of Wonders …has a vivid imaginative truth, and is beautifully written.”

Hilary Mantel on Year of Wonders

 

Based on Geraldine Brooks’ award-winning novel, this moving story reflects real life events that occurred in the village of Eyam during the plague year of 1666.  Convinced by their minister to close off their village, the residents of Eyam quarantined their small community for a year to contain the infection and prevent the plague from spreading. Many died as a result.

Year of Wonders is an uplifting tale that explores what happens when ordinary people and extraordinary events collide. In a community faced with death, we find hope within darkness and redemption within destruction. This powerful tale of one tiny community in the 17th century who sacrificed themselves for “the greater good” serves as a timely reminder of how fragmented, individualised and separated the 21stcentury has become.

Brooks a Pulitzer Prize winning writer has gifted the theatrical rights to Jane Arnfield who is bringing this award-winning novel to the stage with director, long-term collaborator Mike Alfreds. Their previous collaboration The Tin Ring by Zdenka Fantlová toured to over 14 countries and played to thousands of audience members.

The World Premiere of Year of Wonders will take place at The Lowry Theatre in Salford on 21st June and then tours the North East with performances at the Gala Theatre in Durham, Alphabetti Theatre and The Lit & Phil in Newcastle upon Tyne.