An immersive adaptation of one of Virginia Woolf’s most famous novels will be performed in Oxford and London this summer.
Creation Theatre, in partnership with The London Library and The Royal Society of Literature, will present the adaptation of Mrs Dalloway in June.
The play, adapted and directed by Helen Tennison, will be staged at The London Library from June 11 to 15, and in Oxford from June 18 to 22.
The adaptation marks the 100th anniversary of Woolf’s iconic novel on May 14.
The world premiere invites audiences to take tea with Clarissa Dalloway, walk the streets by her side, and explore the richly layered world of post-war London through a multi-sensory performance.
Dr Helen Eastman, CEO and artistic director of Creation Theatre, said: “We are delighted to be returning to The London Library; it is a privilege to create theatre in such an extraordinary space, steeped in literary heritage.
“We’ve been working with Helen Tennison for some time to develop this adaptation of the novel, with a particular focus on juxtaposing Clarissa’s inner thoughts with her external world, and finding the most effective way to bring this unique, genre-defining work to the stage.
“We greatly look forward to welcoming audiences into Clarissa’s world.”
The audience will be able to enjoy the atmospheric surroundings of The London Library, where former member Virginia Woolf once wandered the stacks.
They will also be able to stroll the elegant streets of St James’s where the novel is set, meet unforgettable characters, and eavesdrop on their hidden thoughts via an earpiece as they move through this site-specific experience.
The performance culminates in an invitation to attend Mrs Dalloway’s party.
Ms Tennison, director, said: “I want to give people a joyful, relatable experience of all the contradictions, fears, foibles, and humour of Woolf’s inner monologues.”
Virginia Woolf joined The London Library formally as a life member in 1904 at the age of 22 and at the start of her professional writing career.
Her first novel, The Voyage Out, appeared 11 years later, followed over the next three decades by masterpieces including Mrs Dalloway and To The Lighthouse.
The London Library’s open stacks contain extensive holdings of Virginia Woolf’s writings including her diaries and her 1921 short story, A Society.
The play will run for approximately one hour and is suitable for ages 13 and above.
Tickets for the London performances are priced at £35 and can be booked online.
Tickets for the Oxford performances will go on sale on May 10 – the same day the venue is announced.
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