by Jean Genet

Jean Genet's 1947 The Maids is set in post-war France and is loosely based on the real-life 1933 Papin sisters' murder case. The two main protagonists, a pair of live-in maids, engage in a sadomasochistic, ritualistic role-playing game in which they take turns brutally demeaning each other while impersonating their wealthy, haughty mistress. As their role-play escalates, their pent up rage about their servitude and social standing rises, the boundary between reality and fantasy begin to blur, with tragic consequences. The play explores the seduction of role-play, class envy and oppression, eroticism and obsession. It remains a classic of the Theatre of the Absurd and its key themes are timeless, exploring the continual issue of wealth disparity. A dark, psychological thriller with heavy elements of dark comedy and absurdism.

Contains a portrayal of suicide.

The Lace Market Theatre’s licence to present Jean Genet’s THE MAIDS is granted by Rosica Colin Limited, London.