A poisoned teacup, a mysterious ‘Monsieur’, a profusion of flowers and two sisters caught up in a fantasy of conspiracy and murder. When left alone in the house, Claire and Solange Lemercier indulge in secret rituals of hatred and revenge, directed against their wealthy employer.

They both love and hate their mistress and are drawn daily to act out fantasies of power and submission. Will the game ever reach its conclusion and with what consequences?

Leicester based theatre Phizzical Productions will go on a nationwide tour from February with its latest production: The Maids.

The company has chosen to transpose the text to 19th century India, as its value systems demonstrate the politics of power and class, while the stylistic and expressionistic nuances lend themselves to the illusory world inhabited by the maids.

The Maids is directed by Sâmir Bhamra. His recent work includes directing the play A Perfect Ganesh, Romeo + Laila and Precious Bazaar (nominated for a Windrush Arts Award). For this production, Bhamra has also designed the set and the costumes.

The production features a multi-national cast who hail from Bangladesh, Belgium, England, Jndia, Germany and Wales. The male cast includes Jeremy Williams (theatre: Counterfeit Skin, The Maids RSC’s Henry V), Robby Khela (music: BBC Unsung finalist, Indian Idol 4, theatre: What You Fancy,) and Harprit Dhanoa (Grasim Mr India 2004 finalist, theatre: Singing In The Rain, Stagecraft’s Harvey). The female cast includes Zafreen (films: Brick Lane, Symmetry of Love, theatre: Tara Arts Sonata), Bhavika Mistry (theatre: Precious Bazaar, Romeo+Laila, What You Fancy) and Kanira Shah (film: Fashion, theatre: Murder On The Menu)

Written by Jean Genet
A new translation by Neil Bartlett
Directed & designed by Sâmir Bhamra

Touring from: 20 February – 9 May 2009
The show will be performed on male and female actors on alternate nights.

Friday 20 – Saturday 21 February 8 pm
THE Y 7 East Street, Leicester LE1 6EY

Wednesday 25 – Saturday 28 February & Thursday 5 – Saturday 7 March 7.45 pm
WATERMANS 40 High Street, Brentford TW8 0DS

Sunday 8 March 7.30 pm
HARROW ARTS CENTRE Uxbridge Road, Hatch End HA5 4EA

Tuesday 10 March 7.30 pm
BYRE THEATRE Abbey Street, St. Andrews, Fife KY16 9LA

Tuesday 17 March 7.30 pm
ARENA THEATRE Wulfruna Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1SE

Thursday 19 March 7.45 pm
STAHL THEATRE West Street, Oundle PE8 4EJ

Thursday 26 – Friday 27 March 7.30 pm
RICH MIX 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA

Tuesday 31 March 7.30 pm
WILDE THEATRE South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, RG12 7PA

Saturday 9 May 7.30 pm
CANOLFAN UCHELDRE CENTRE Millbank, Holyhead LL65 1TE

For more information contact: Sâmir Bhamra on press@phizzical.com
phizzical.com/themaids/