Details

This powerful and moving story, set in 1846 in the ante-bellum South, follows two young women on their journey to acceptance. With elements of blues, folk, hymns and gospel, Dessa Rose perfectly blends history and fiction. The storytelling for which Ahrens and Flaherty are most famous is masterfully exhibited throughout. Passionate and innocent Dessa Rose is a young slave faced with a barrage of hardships because of the colour of her skin. While Ruth, a young white mother, faces difficulties because of her gender. Ruth and Dessa 'hand down the story' to their grandchildren, reliving the adventure they experienced together. Through their extraordinary tale we see their deep and lasting bond and how this makes them part of a 'long, strong line of women'. Running time: 2hrs including interval.

Cast/Performers

Cynthia Erivo (Dessa Rose), Cassidy Janson (Ruth), John Addison, Edward Baruwa, Sharon Benson, Alexander Evans, Cameron Leigh

Creatives/Company

Lyrics: Lynn Ahrens
Music: Stephen Flaherty (based on the book by Sherley Anne Williams)
Producer: Arion Productions
Director(s): Andrew Keates, Jennifer Bakst (assistant), Benjamin Newsome (casting)
Costume: Philippa Batt
Lighting: Neill Brinkworth
Choreographer: Sam Spencer Lane
Musical Director: Dean Austin