A daring exploration of women pushed to the edge, The Bleeding Tree is a moving yet darkly funny drama, follows a mother and her two daughters who, in order to survive, have had to go to extremes. Following years of abuse from the man of the house, The Bleeding Tree’s leading women have finally reached the end of their tether and shot him dead. Now they must deal with their fluctuating feelings – from shock to relief to guilt – all whilst figuring out how to dispose of a body.
The Bleeding Tree is fascinating exploration of the moral ambiguity around what we do when pushed to the limit. Following years of abuse from the man of the house, The Bleeding Tree’s leading women have finally reached the end of their tether and shot him dead. Now they must deal with their fluctuating feelings – from shock to relief to guilt – all whilst figuring out how to dispose of a body. This lyrical drama will examine women’s resilience and raise questions around a community’s responsibility to speak out against violence.
Director Sophie Drake comments, We are delighted to have brought together this extraordinary group of actors to deliver The Bleeding Tree to Southwark Playhouse audiences. All three have a natural instinct for Angus’ daring and formally inventive text, and we know that they’ll bring the sharp wit, dynamism and searing honesty that the play demands.
