Written in 2002, ‘The Breath of Life’ is an intimate two-hander. Best known for his epic dramas on historical themes, in this play David Hare gets up close and personal. To celebrate their 20 th production since they founded Waiheke Theatre Company in 2011, Linda Savage and Lucinda Peterken had always planned to do something a little different. What they hadn’t anticipated was the impact of Covid 19 on their productions in 2020!

During the restrictions of Level 3 and 4 they were able to busily learn lines and rehearse together in order to have a production ready when restrictions lifted. Whilst usually taking the role of director, Lucinda is enjoying re-visiting her own love of acting and the rare opportunity to perform with her friend and colleague in this fascinating play. They are delighted to have Teresa Sokolich (who worked with Simon Prast on their production of ‘A Diary of Anne Frank’) directing.

‘Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.’
Gauguin’s epithet serves as the motto for this tale of two women, both of a certain age, both with a long past behind them, but the expectation of a considerable future in front of them. Set on the Isle of Wight, Frances Beale (Linda Savage), dutiful wife of Martin Beale, QC, comes to the door of Madeleine Palmer (Lucinda Peterken), her husband’s mistress for 25 years. The confrontation over the course of one night is both surprising and profound; at times bitingly funny yet also deeply moving.

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Not suitable for Children