Sarah MK Archdeacon’s show Washing Machine Vortex opens at the Bread and Roses later this month as part of the Lambeth Fringe.
“A ‘Greek-style’ tragedy!
While doing the washing for her elderly father, one woman dives into the swirling cycles of her past — confronting psychoanalysis, patriarchy, and the spirit of Electra herself.
Blending autobiography, visual storytelling, and a rocking 60s soundtrack to create something deeply personal and defiantly bold.”
Where: Bread and Roses Theatre, Clapham
When: 25 – 26 Sep
Ticket link: https://lambethfringe.com/events/washing-machine-vortex
I asked Sarah to tell us a bit more about Washing Machine Vortex.
What made you want to write Washing Machine Vortex, and why Electra?
I have always wanted to make a show about my Dad – his life has always seemed to me to lend itself to theatre – from his affair with a sex therapist as a younger man to his experience of brain trauma and now dementia giving him a unique and alternative perception of reality.
He is of course my Dad too, so I explore our relationship as part of the shows content too.
My Dad used to be a psychiatrist and in researching the father / daughter relationship I came across something called the Electra Complex.
Electra is a strong female character but the writings of Freud and Jung are often from the male point of view which made me think more about my relationship with my Dad.
It has been quite some personal discovery journey for me! I’ve called it is a Greek-style feminist odyssey.
Why should audiences choose to see your play and what might they expect?
The show is entertaining! It is also truly interdisciplinary and my artistic collaborators for the performance mean it is a multi layered rich creative mix.
Hana Lane, my co-performer, is great to watch and really fun to perform alongside. My partner and collaborator, Jon Archdeacon, has created a beautiful black and white film that runs simultaneously throughout the piece adding a new layer of meaning and accessibility.
And Tom Marshman who is dramaturg has helped us find the beating heart of the show so that it connects with people in different ways and resonates with their own lives. There is a rocking 60’s soundtrack too.
I want audiences to feel a sense of connection to each other as well as a shared sense of hope; hope that we can shape a better future where people are not ‘othered’ for who they are.
Do you find fringe theatre inspiring as a writer or performer?
Yes, totally – I often find it extremely inventive, personal and authentic and that’s what interests me. I’ve been going to see fringe theatre for a good 30 years of my life and I still love it!
What’s next for the show?
I have been invited by my artist friend Leon Clowes (@leonclowes) to create a sound version of Washing Machine Vortex – I’ve begun the script for this and it’s so interesting how it opens up the subject matter in new ways.
Hana, Leon and I will have a play and workshop this version more once we’ve performed at Lambeth Fringe.
I would also love to tour the work, so I’m looking at that potential.