Genet loosely based his play on the infamous Papin sisters, Lea and Christine, who brutally murdered their employer and her daughter in Le Mans, France, in 1933, although the play is not the story of the Papin sisters as such. Solange and Claire are two housemaids who construct elaborate sadomasochistic rituals when their mistress (Madame) is away. The focus of their theatrical playing is the murder of Madame and they take turns portraying either side of the power divide. The deliberate pace and devotion to detail guarantees that they always fail to actualize their fantasies by ceremoniously "killing" Madame at the ritual's denouement.

Wednesday 24 March 2010, 7.30pm
University of Bedfordshire
Theatre Polhill Avenue
Bedford MK41 9EA
Suitable for 14+
Tickets: £10 (Concessions £5)
Box Office: 0800 328 5334
www.beds.ac.uk/theatre

Thursday, 25 March 2010, 7.3pm
Hat Factory
65-67 Bute Street
Luton, Bedfordshire
Suitable for 14+
£9, £7 concs, £5 NUS & Vibe Card
Free ticket allocation for Under 26s

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