Schism, by lauded playwright and activist Athena Stevens, is a stunning new play about two people finding each other from worlds apart.

“I never wanted to change, in case you didn’t like it.” Failed architect Harrison had plans to end his life. The last thing he needed was Katherine, a young student with cerebral palsy, breaking into his house begging for his help…

As their chaotic first encounter turns into the beginning of a twenty year relationship, the unlikely couple grow to realise that they are capable of either building something great together – or absolutely destroying each other.

Following the journey of Harrison and Katherine, Schism questions the power dynamics between male and female, between disabled and non-disabled, and at what point a dream becomes unrealistic and out of date.

Schism is written and co-performed by Athena Stevens, an acclaimed playwright who herself has a disability. Her previous plays include The Amazing Vancetti Sisters (Tristan Bates Theatre), Detours Ahead (Victory Gardens Theatre, Chicago) and two online series – Assistive Devices and Vote Z. In 2016, she was elected the national spokesperson for equality in the media for the Women’s Equality Party. In 2017, she was named a member of the Shakespeare’s Globe Creative Council, and will be directing there later in the year.

Jonathan McGuinness co-stars as Harrison. His recent theatre credits include Bodies (Royal Court Theatre), Imogen (Globe Theatre), Four Minutes Twelve Seconds (Hampstead Theatre), The Oresteia (Almeida), Love’s Sacrifice (RSC), and The Ritual Slaughter Of Gorge Mastromas (Royal Court Theatre).

Schism received its world premiere at the Finborough Theatre in April 2016, and is now receiving a long-awaited transfer to London’s Park Theatre.

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