Don’t miss HFH Productions’ “Surrender” by Sophie Swithinbank. Premiering in London and Edinburgh, this powerful play explores the intense societal pressures on women.
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Surrender
HFH Productions has unveiled its upcoming play, “Surrender,” by Sophie Swithinbank.
It will premiere at the Arcola Theatre in London from June 19 to July 13 and then head to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe at Summerhall from August 1 to 26.
This announcement follows Swithinbank’s previous collaboration with Hannah Farley-Hills on the successful play “Bacon,” which was” showcased at the Fringe last year.
Nancy Medina, Artistic Director of Bristol Old Vic, will associate direct Phoebe Ladenburg in this one-woman play.
The creative team features Movement Director Jess Tucker Boyd, Sound Designer Dominic Brennan, Lighting Designer Stacey Nurse, and Costume Designer Pam Tait.
Hannah Farley-Hills, Executive Producer of HFH Productions, expressed her excitement:
“I am delighted to be presenting Sophie’s next show and working with Phoebe and Nancy. Surrender is a powerful story that asks bold questions about what society asks of women. I am proud and excited to showcase it to the world.”
Plot Summary
“Surrender” explores the strained relationship between a mother and her daughter, who has been estranged for 13 years.
The daughter visits her mother in prison, and they have just one hour to reconnect.
The charming yet unreliable mother shares her version of events, revealing the valid reason for her imprisonment.
The play delves into themes of social care, mistakes, and the struggles of retaining one’s identity under oppressive circumstances.
Inspired by the dynamics in Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew”, “Surrender” challenges expectations of submission within motherhood.
Creative Team
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Associate Director | Nancy Medina |
| Movement Director | Jess Tucker Boyd |
| Sound Designer | Dominic Brennan |
| Lighting Designer | Stacey Nurse |
| Costume Designer | Pam Tait |
Biographies
Phoebe Ladenburg is a multi-award-winning actor, director, and theatremaker.
Her notable works include “Clown Sex” (nominated for two Off West End Awards), “The Journey” (4*, Pleasance Theatre), and “Bacon” (Clapham Omnibus, Arcola Theatre, Nick Hern Books).
She won Best Actress at the 2024 Tokyo International Short Film Festival.
Nancy Medina is the Artistic Director of Bristol Old Vic.
Her directorial credits include “The Darkest Part of the Night” (Kiln Theatre), “Moreno” (Theatre503), and “Trouble in Mind” (National Theatre).
She receives several awards, including the 2024 Genesis Foundation Prize and the 2020/2021 Peter Hall Bursary (National Theatre).
Sophie Swithinbank is an award-winning playwright and screenwriter. Her play “Bacon” won the Tony Craze Award in 2018 and received critical acclaim during its run at Finborough Theatre in 2022.
Swithinbank is developing a new play, “Beans”, with the National Theatre.
“Surrender” promises to be a compelling and thought-provoking production. Its creative team’s talents will be highlighted, and profound societal themes will be explored.
Make sure to catch it at the Arcola Theatre in London and later at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this summer.
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