Women, Power and Politics at Tricycle Theatre from 4 Jun

Women, Power and Politics exploring the history and current role of women in politics in Great Britain through several short plays, will be at the Tricycle Theatre in Kilburn, north London from 4 June to 17 July 2010.

The season will be presented in two parts, each containing several short plays - one entitled THEN, examining the historical aspects of women and politics; the other entitled NOW, with a more contemporary focus. The two parts will be performed on alternate evenings, with an opportunity to see parts 1 and 2 on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

They are directed by Indhu Rubasingham.

THEN...

The Lioness by Rebecca Lenkiewicz
Elizabeth I described herself as Queen, King and Prince, thriving in a male world and saving the country from debt and wars. Self proclaimed wife and mother to England, her virgin status was part of her myth as she consistently refused marriage citing herself as already taken. In The Lioness we see Elizabeth as both a woman and a leader and follow her encounters with two men, John Knox, the ultimate misogynist and Essex, her favourite.

The Milliner And The Weaver by Marie Jones
Henrietta, from Belfast and Elspeth, from Dublin are unlikely comrades. The Suffragette movement binds them together but as the question of Home Rule divides Ireland, will national politics tear them apart?

Battle of the Bags by Moira Buffini
For over a decade Margaret Thatcher met the Queen for a weekly audience. With all her previous Prime Ministers, the Queen enjoyed a fairly informal relationship but with Mrs Thatcher, things were different. Battle of the Bags speculates on the relationship between these two very powerful and private women.

Bloody Wimmin by Lucy Kirkwood
The protests at Greenham Common were a political landmark of the eighties. How much did Greenham impact the fight for nuclear disarmament, the progress of the women's movement and the culture of protest itself? What is the legacy of Greenham Common?...'It's very easy to laugh at passion'.

NOW...

Acting Leader by Joy Wilkinson
After the sudden death of John Smith, Margaret Beckett finds herself hurled into the position of Acting Leader of the Opposition and the sole female candidate in the race to lead the party. She embarks on her campaign with the support of Clare Short in the contest that saw the birth of New Labour.

Playing The Game by Bola Agbaje
Election time. The Student's Association needs a new President and Akousa's achingly cool flatmates are certain she is perfect for the position. But how can they persuade her and how much is she willing to compromise?

The Panel by Zinnie Harris
The last candidate has just left the room and the door is shut. The clock is ticking, there's a train to catch, and the panel must decide who to appoint. But what is really motivating them and will their own agendas prevail?

Pink by Sam Holcroft
Two careers hang in the balance. Self-made millionaire Kim Keen is one of the most successful businesswomen in the country. As she prepares to launch her latest range on national television an unexpected visitor arrives in her dressing room with a different set of priorities to promote.

You, Me and Wii by Sue Townsend
In a council house in a small Leicestershire town, Vincent's skiing on the Wii, Sheila's feeding her granddaughter McKenzie, and Kerry's getting on with the ironing. None of them are planning on voting in the election, but when Selina Snow rings the doorbell to canvas, perhaps she can change their minds, or they can change hers.