When We Died by Alexandra Donnachie
by Carbon Theatre and Cultural Projects Ltd.theatre
A striking play about one woman’s choice to confront her trauma and tell her story, on her terms.
about the production
He’s dead, and it’s her job to prepare and present his body for his family’s final goodbye. She often imagines what each person’s life was like. But today she doesn’t have to imagine who he is. She knows him. Faced with the body of the man who raped her eleven months ago, When We Died is a striking new play about one woman’s choice to confront her trauma and tell her story, on her terms. ⸻ "Donnachie is really terrific... It’s quietly hold-your-breath gripping" Lyn Gardner.
about the artist
Performers: Jo Blake and Robert Clark Director: Jo Blake Movement Director: Ben Duke Lead Dramaturg: Lootie Johansen-Bibby Visiting Dramaturg: Sheila Ghelani Collaborative Devisor: Georgia Tillery-Randak Designer: Ruth Stringer Lighting Designer: Adi Currie Sound Designer: Patch Middleton Producer: Courtenay Johnson for Carbon Theatre Production Manager: Fiona Scott Lockyer Stage Manager: Emma Drostby
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stage dimensions
width: 6 metres
height: 3 metres
depth: 4 metres
Lighting: on-stage lighting need an available power supply upstage.
Sound Equipment: PA system. Our sound is programmed and ran through QLab.
The main audiences for the show are:
• Women who have experienced sexual assault or harassment
• Younger people, 18-35
• Ending male violence against women activists and campaigners
• New writing audiences
• Local artists and theatre-makers
“The script itself is fabulous. It deftly navigates difficult topics with both sensitivity and exquisite detail – no mean feat given the subjects involved [...] her performance is as excellent as her writing.”
“Routledge’s direction combined with Donnachie’s writing and acting makes for a gripping play that deals sensitively with a difficult topic. I only hope more people get to experience it.”
“When We Died is a poignantly affecting, well-written and welljudged monologue that treats a disturbing central issue with painstaking sensitivity yet leaving us with a semblance of hope. Highly recommended.”
We have created 4 workshops for people interested in making work about difficult or
sensitive topics, realising the need for more information on making work about trauma as
emerging artists on tight budgets! Would be great for 16+ students, youth theatre groups and emerging artists. All 1 hour, available in-person or online.
• Developing a Safer Way of Working (Alexandra Donnachie, 2 parts): a comparison
between two trauma-based shows with very different processes.
• Intimacy Direction for Solo Shows (Christina Fulcher): working with intimacy and
movement with a solo performer.
• How to Make Work about ‘Tricky Topics’ (Julia Langley): creatives & audience care
regarding trauma and violence.
Fee/Guarantee preferred (negotiable).
