Starting on 8 May, the Arcola Theatre will begin its seven-performance run of the dark, psychological comedy, Hayfever.
Having its first showcase at RebelFest in 2019, Emerge Production House’s play explores themes of alienation, cultural norms, and feeling like you are no longer a part of a culture you once thought you were a part of. This semi-immersive, game-like production leaves the characters’ fate up to the audience.
Centering around two cops, Tom and Jerry, this play features accidental murder, a bohemian love story, tomato soup, and a game of Jenga. It explores what it means to be a “Londoner” from the perspective of expats.
Audience members will be allowed to request monologues, songs, and even themes. Characters will ask the audience what they think “should” and “should not” happen throughout the show. In an effort to eliminate all waste from the production, the audience will even be allowed to purchase all costume and set pieces by auction after the show. This includes paintings by one of the lead characters.
Hayfever is directed by Roxane Cabassut and written by Eleonor Schumann. Emerge Production is a London-based company that values sustainability and platforming emerging artists.
Words by Talia Kracauer
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