Headlong and the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre in association with Birmingham Repertory Theatre announced today a unique re-imagining of the Faustus myth that will premiere in London in January 2020.
Faustus: That Damned Woman is the latest play from award-winning playwright Chis Bush and sees the grandiose protagonist rewritten as a woman trading sacrifices to travel across centuries and alter the fabric of history.
The legend of Doctor Faustus follows the twists and turns in the demise of a scholar who – growing bored of traditional studies – sells their soul to the devil in exchange for the powers of black magic.
Drawing together the famous interpretations of the Faustus myth by Marlowe and Goethe as well as a wide range of other re-imaginings, the play asks grand questions about sacrifice and legacy.
The play is the first commissioned as part of contemporary theatre company, Headlong and the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre’s new long-term commitment to commissioning and producing works by women playwrights. The production is directed by Caroline Byrne alongside an innovative creative team.
With promises of a radical and modern re-imagining of an ancient and iconic legend, this daring piece is sure to make some waves.