Deborah Freeman’s CANDLESTICKS received an Arts Council Writing Bursary in 1993 and is even more relevant and contentious in 2022.
Controversial, topical, challenging, sometimes comical, always thought-provoking. Two households have been neighbours for years; the mothers – lifelong friends with frequently sparky disagreements; their children – childhood sweethearts.
But the Jewish daughter makes an astonishing announcement on the eve of Passover, while the gentile son next door sets out on his own voyage of discovery. How can their mothers cope (or not) with children who become so passionately committed to new beliefs that they may be lost to each other and to their families?
Producer Mercurius Theatre was set up 10 years ago to do work that provoked discussion. CANDLESTICKS will be Mercurius’ seventeenth production, including four transfers.
Directed by Jenny Eastop.
White Bear Theatre, 138 Kennington Road, London, SE11 4DJ from 27 September to 15 October 2022. Times: Tues to Sat at 7.30pm; Sat Matinees at 2.30pm on 1, 8 & 15 Oct. Admission: £16 Full, £12 Concessions.
