Everywoman, written anonymously, and directed by Amelia Sears opened at The Bunker on 18 February, as part of the venues closing season.
During childbirth, there’s a moment called the point of transition. It comes just before you have the urge to push. And it often brings with it a fear of death…
In the medieval myth of Everyman, a male stand-in for humanity goes through a final reckoning before death. In this play from an anonymous writer, a moment of ‘female reckoning’ is explored: motherhood (whether chosen or not) is a role that threatens to bury the woman who came before. Everywoman is a deep and dirty dive into being a woman, the danger of autobiography and the existential threat of motherhood.
Amelia Sears previous directing credits include The Last Five Years (Duchess Theatre) and Years of Sunlight (Theatre503) which explores the friction between parenthood and self-hood that new parents often experience? Alongside the production there is a series of post-show confessions, original pieces written and performed by a variety of artists around this issue, which it might also be interesting to touch on.
What inspired you to direct Everywoman? What attracted you to the script?
Sears: The script was achingly familiar to me when I read it. So much of it spoke to things I’d thought and felt in the journey towards becoming a parent. I knew I wanted to be a part of putting those truths out into the world.
How does directing Everywoman compare to other plays you have directed?
Sears: This play is immensely personal. It’s dissecting very difficult and rarely talked about ideas and issues. Directing a one person show is a very particular beast, and so much can only be discovered with an audience but I’m lucky that I get to work with such a talented actor who brings incredible integrity to the play and the role.
What do you perceive will be the greatest challenges in directing this play?
Sears: Making sure the ideas are all clearly communicated, that it works within a new design. Making sure it’s funny as well as provoking. Making sure it’s really truthful and also safe.
What are you most looking forward to in directing in this play?
Sears: Working with the brilliant Jade Williams and my creative team. Also having the chance to develop ideas with the writer again and see the way her most excellent brain works.
Why do you feel this play will appeal to an audience?
Sears: Because it’s about the most fundamental aspect of our existence, how do we feel about the way we were or weren’t parented and do we want to take that leap ourselves. Whatever way you look at it, it effects everyone.
Everywoman runs until 22 February at The Bunker.
