W. Scott McLucas Studio Theatre
in association with Fallen Angel Theatre Company
by Charlotte Jones
directed by John Keating
January 9 – February 17, 2013
Set in 1920’s England, Charlotte Jones’s Airswimming is based on the true story of two women (Miss Kitson and Miss Baker), who have been incarcerated in a hospital for the “criminally insane” for having borne illegitimate children. Forgotten by their families and not released until the 1970’s, Dora and Persephone adopt alter-egos, Dorph and Porph, to enact their fantasies and survive the silence of incarceration. By turns very funny and moving, Airswimming reminds us of the forgotten women of these generations in both Britain and Ireland.
“IMPRESSIVELY ACTED… Airswimming, nicely directed by John Keating, is POIGNANT, INTELLIGENT AND AT TIMES WICKEDLY FUNNY.” — NY Times
“Intimate Airswimming is HEARTFELT AND ENDEARING….a small but sparkling gem…. John Keating directs the tricky material with great sensitivity” — Backstage
“A THOUGHTFUL DRAMA WORTH WRAPPING YOUR HEAD AROUND…” — Theatermania
“JOHN KEATING DIRECTS WITH CLARITY AND DEPTH, modulating the abrupt shifts from comedy to pathos skillfully. MOLONEY SHOWS A HEARTBREAKING VULNERABILITY under the martial swagger. PICKUP BEAUTIFULLY MATCHES HER. Her Persephone appeals to the heart… Airswimming is the story of two women who find their only solace and hope is in one another. It’s not about women at all: it’s about everyone.” — Irish Examiner
“Director John Keating has created a remarkably sensitive ambience, with Moloney, with her curt masculinity, and Pickup, the picture of femininity and vulnerability, appearing ideal for their roles. ONE COULD NOT IMAGINE BETTER.” — Epoch Times
“Jones has written A GRIM, YET FUNNY, AND OFT-STUNNING SMALL PLAY, directed in this staging with great care by John Keating.” — History News Network
“…a humdinger of a vehicle for the two fine actors – AEDIN MOLONEY AND RACHEL PICKUP – who REMAIN AN EMPOWERING AND CONSTANT PRESENCE THROUGHOUT.” — CurtainUp