Preview: Linck & Mülhahn

I saw this when it premiered at Hampstead Theatre in 2023 and was totally blown away by it. After the curtain call I couldn’t leave my seat for a while. It’s a brilliant story about a relatively unknown queer person and a love that wasn’t allowed to be. As a part of the LGBTQIA+ community the hope that resonates throughout the play really spoke to me. I’m overjoyed to be able to bring this to our SLT stage and tell the story for only the second time ever.

It shows us how far we have come in acceptance and tolerance for all types of love. We are a cast and crew of LGBTQIA+ and allies, and we feel that showing how things were in the eighteenth century highlights where we are as a society now; one where people can be themselves, exactly as they are.

It also shows us how far we have come in the rights of women since then. Catharina is trapped by the rules around her, specifically for her sex, and she breaks them with gusto. There’s a host of other female characters in the show who are dealing with life the best they can, despite being born to what was then classed as the inferior sex.

Our story is told by The Spinster (Carole Coyne), reminiscing on her life. She introduces Anastasius Linck (Ali Gibson), a dashing soldier who falls in love with Catharina (Han Evans), who is feisty and unhappy with her lot in life. They meet and it’s a whirlwind romance.

You’ll meet Catharina’s Mother (Hannah McCorry) who just wants the best for her daughter, but who is also trapped by the rules for her sex. There are friends and foes we meet along the way, Anastasius’ friend ‘Soldier’ (Daniel Cox), various townspeople and then the Judge (Steve Pleasants) and the Jury (Ensemble) – judging a love they do not understand.

Getting a big cast all together in the same room is always a challenge! We also focused on the intimacy of the play, making sure everyone was comfortable with the level required and that we could make it look convincing and do justice to the relationship between Anastasius and Catharina.

We also had some sword play to choreograph which has been fun, and I’ve never directed a play with that in before. And for some cast members, it has been hard to see the attitudes from some of the characters towards the two protagonists because of prejudice they have also faced, so we’ve had a few tears and emotions, which we’ve all shared and healed from.

Love is love. And that there is so much hope in the world now. We still have a way to go and acceptance is not widespread but tolerance and kindness do prevail.

Queer, inspiring and truth.

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