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The Other Cleopatra by Jenny Gammon
Directed by Jenny Gammon
and Brandy by Matthew Davies
Directed by Jess Osorio
Performances: Tuesday 6th to Saturday 10th July 2010, Bell Theatre
The Other Cleopatra
Mystery surrounds the fate of Cleopatra VI. Rarely mentioned in historical documents, did she die as a child or was she murdered? And why did her mother suddenly vanish? With Egypt buckling beneath the Roman Empire, how different the outcome might have been if she or her other sisters had inherited the throne instead of Cleopatra, Queen of the Nile. As the royal household fight for supremacy, which one will reveal who really is to blame for the disappearance of a princess.
Cast
Queen Berenice – Helen Chadney
Bakari – Mike Smart
Cleopatra VII - Alex Kapila
Arsinoë – Rikki-Lee Bevan
Queen Cleopatra Tryphaena – Sue Jacobsen
Iras - Roberta Zuric
Charmian - Vanessa Colls
Julius Caesar - Christopher Poke
Brandy
The play is set in 1711 towards the end of Queen Anne’s reign. Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, is Keeper of the Privy Purse, in control of all financial matters relating to the Crown and the second most powerful woman in the country after the Queen. The two women were friends from a young age. For many years Anne was entranced by Churchill’s wit and fearless attitude, bestowing numerous titles and responsibilities upon her. The relationship soured over the years as Sarah treated Anne with increasing contempt and was frequently absent from the court.
At the start of the play, Sarah is brought to the palace in the early hours of the morning. By now, Anne is bloated, bedridden and increasingly isolated since the death of her husband. Sarah taunts and abuses and demands to know why the Queens wants to see her. Anne is evasive but it is eventually revealed that Sarah is to be dismissed and replaced by her cousin Abigail. Churchill is forced to surrender the Golden Key that signifies her office and is banished from the court. The play centres on the relationship between Sarah and Anne, covering the allegations of Anne’s ‘indiscretions’ with her ladies in waiting, Anne’s relationship with her late husband Prince George, the death of her seventeen children and her legacy as Queen. Churchill’s conceit is such that she never foresees how precarious her possession has become and even when facing banishment is unable to beg for the Queen’s forgiveness. The third character in the play is Mary, a chambermaid, to whom Sarah is eventually forced to hand over her symbol of office.
Cast
Queen Anne - Fiona Daffern
Sarah Churchill - Jenny McLaughlin
Mary - Siobhan Campbell
For more details, please contact Jess Osorio, Director, or Jenny Gammon, Director
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