Eyestrings Theatre's THE DUCHESS OF MALFI Set for The Marlborough Theatre, Oct 10

A tale of morality, class and sex first performed at The Globe in 1613, thrills audiences 400 years later.

On Thursday 10th October, The Marlborough Theatre will present Eyestrings Theatre's fearless and inventive new adaptation of The Duchess of Malfi. A cast of seven classically trained actors perform what is considered by many to be one of the greatest tragedies, revealing the stark brutality of the story.

Director Owen Horsley, who is hotly tipped by insiders as a rising star of the theatre world, believes the Jacobean masterpiece is just as relevant for audiences today: "The play was first performed at The Globe in 1613. Here we are exactly 400 years later and the story still holds true. The play to me is about people striving for intimacy in a cruel society. The only crime the Duchess is committing is to say no to a world of facades by seeking out a relationship that is honest and simple."

The play begins as a love story, with the widowed Duchess falling in love with Antonio, a steward at the palace. However, her powerful family consider Antonio below their social class and forbid the union. Following their secret marriage, the Duchess' brothers seek revenge, destroying not only the Duchess but their entire family.

Owen Horsley's decision to keep the cast on stage throughout the play reinforces the pressure placed on the Duchess: "All these active eyes on stage, we really begin to feel the world closing in around the Duchess. She cannot escape.

Tickets are £8.50/6.50 and can be purchased here.