A theatrical production of the play 'The Strongbox', a three-hander exploring themes of domestic servitude and power dynamics, presented by the York Actors Collective.
The Strongbox runs from 28 to 31 October at the York Theatre Royal Studio, a four-night stint put on by the York Actors Collective. It's a three-hander written by Stephanie Jacob, and it's a play that doesn't shy away from the uncomfortable: domestic servitude and the abuse of power are right at the centre of it.
The story takes place in a dilapidated London home shared by three women. There's Kat, the authoritarian figure in charge; her ageing mother, Ma; and Maudie, their teenaged slave. The three of them spend the play jostling for power and affection in that crumbling house, and the whole thing is built around the shifting dynamics between them. It's a tale of freedom and control, and the balance starts to tip when Kat gets distracted by business and Ma falls ill.
Jacob's play has a bit of a pedigree behind it, too — it won the 2018 VAULT Origins Award for outstanding new work. This particular production is an amateur one, staged by the York Actors Collective under the direction of their founder, Angie Millard, and brought to the stage by arrangement with Nick Hern Books.
Every week we pick 🏆 the 5 best 🏆 things to do in York and send them to your inbox. Just one weekly email, no spam.
By submitting your email, you accept our Privacy Policy
With only three characters on stage, it's a tight, focused piece of theatre, and the run is short — four nights from 28 to 31 October at the York Theatre Royal Studio. If you're in the city around then and fancy a night at the theatre, it's worth keeping on your radar.
