My Name Is Lucy Barton: On Stage In Johannesburg
My Name Is Lucy Barton is a one-of-a-kind theatre production that explores the relationship between mother and daughter and reflects something present in almost everyone’s life. In it, Julie-Anne McDowell stars as the title character, her mother, doctor, husband, children and others. Ultimately, it’s an inspiring one-woman show not to be missed.
A Rundown of 'My Name Is Lucy Barton'
The stage was set with a hospital bed, accompanied by a bedside table to its left and an armchair to its right. A somber blue light cast a shadow over the scene, creating a sense of foreboding.
As we were ushered inside – wine in hand – there was a shuffle of feet; a muffle of voices. Then, a melancholic melody filled the small theatre and the audience hushed. There she was: Lucy Barton.
Lucy Barton had just woken from life-saving surgery, only to find her estranged mother hunched over at the foot of her bed. Since her husband and children could not bare the smell, sound and sight of hospitals anymore, her mother was summoned to keep her company instead. In that moment, mother and daughter seemed to reconnect. Still, there was tension simmering underneath the surface…
Memories of Lucy’s childhood came back to her in waves of sorrow and fear. She remembered why she wanted to become a writer in New York City; why she left her mother, father and siblings behind in their secluded farmhouse in rural Illinois. Furthermore, she remembered why she was labeled as different, and still was.
Throughout this masterful play, Lucy Barton’s past and future are at war with one another. It represents the role family plays in one’s life – something that could either be good or bad. Lucy Barton’s was the latter.
A Powerful Portrayal and Brilliant BTS
Julie-Anne McDowell’s powerful voice fell over the theatre. No microphone was needed to project her words onto the audience. In fact, the artist has a way of grabbing an audience’s attention just by walking on stage. Evidently, it also came as no surprise when she gained a standing ovation as she walked off.
My Name Is Lucy Barton has a plentitude of talent behind the scenes. The production is written by Elizabeth Stroud, adapted by Rona Munro, directed by Charmaine Weir-Smith, designed by Kieran McGregor and presented by How Now Brown Cow.
Originally produced by Nicholas Hytner and Nick Starr for the London Theatre Company in 2018, starring Laura Linney, making its way into South African theatre was inevitable.
The relationship between a mother and daughter is universal and so relatable. In addition, McDowell’s portrayal of human emotion is tangible; something that can be felt by every individual across the globe. Therefore, after seeing it ourselves and feeling all the feels, we can highly recommend this spectacular production.
After its first run in Cape Town, My Name Is Lucy Barton has now moved up to Joburg. It will be running at Theatre on the Square in Sandton until 26 October 2024.
Performances take place on Tuesdays to Fridays at 19:30, Saturdays at 16:00 and 19h30, and Sundays at 15:00.
The My Name Is Lucy Barton production is 80 minutes long, with no interval and has an age-appropriate restriction of no under 12s.
Tickets are available through Computicket.
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