A true tale of resistance in Nazi-occupied Jersey
Who is Claude Cahun? is a poignant new play written by D.R. Hill that will be coming to Southwark Playhouse Borough this Pride month.
This powerful production will bring to life the extraordinary true story of trailblazing Jewish lesbian artist Claude Cahun who defied the Nazi regime through acts of artistic resistance on the occupied island of Jersey during the Second World War.
Created by DRH Arts in association with Exchange Theatre, Who is Claude Cahun? reclaims a vital chapter of queer and trans history. Born Lucy Schwob into a French Jewish family, Cahun, along with lifelong partner Marcel Moore (born Suzanne Malherbe), escaped the confines of a male-dominated surrealist art scene in Paris and relocated to Jersey. When the Nazis occupied the Channel Islands in 1940, the couple launched a bold guerrilla campaign of subversive art to resist fascism – all while evading the Gestapo.
Lilit Lesser stars as Claude Cahun, alongside Amelia Armande as Marcel Moore. They are joined by Ben Bela Böhm, Sharon Drain), and Gethin Alderman in multiple roles.
This moving new production shines a light on a forgotten history of identity, courage, and
rebellion – a timely and moving reminder of the radical power of self-expression. It gives voice to those silenced by history and celebrates the individuals who dared to live truthfully and resist fiercely.
Directed by David Furlong (Young Vic Jerwood Director, Artistic Director of Exchange Theatre), this evocative production will feature immersive projection mapping, moving images, surreal masks, and incredible physical theatre to reimagine Cahun’s surrealist world and underground resistance.
Writer D.R. Hill comments, “The extraordinary 1930’s and 1940’s story of Claude Cahun and Marcel Moore remains largely invisible. Yet this courageous pair challenged gender identity and patriarchal hierarchies that informed even cutting edge artistic circles. They resisted Nazi oppression with a form of “guerrilla art” activism that is hugely relevant today. My inspiration was the desire to raise wide awareness of heroic individuals for too long undervalued as a result of homophobic, transphobic and misogynist attitudes.”
Southwark Playhouse Borough (The Little), 77-85 Newington Causeway, London, SE1 6BD from 18th June – 12th July.
Booking: www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/who-is-claude-cahun
