Translated into English by Pauline Wick, Black Swans is written by Christina Kettering and directed by Ria Samartzi. Currently showing at Omnibus Theatre in Clapham, London, Black Swans tells the story of two sisters who are trying to figure out how to care for their elderly mother as her health declines.
From the outset we understand that neither of them want to take on the role of caregiver. The older sister (played by Camila França) is a single carefree woman in her 40s who enjoys nights out and casual sex with attractive men. She spent her younger years looking after her younger sibling (played by Trine Garrett) when their mother was absent a lot of the time.
It ultimately comes down on the younger sister, who has children and a husband that isn’t around, to take care of the mother. She struggles in this role and grows impatient with her mother.
The single sister provides a solution, Rosie, a humanoid AI care robot that will take care of the mother. At first Rosie is a godsend for the younger sister as she takes over the care of the mother and eventually all the other chores in the house. This frees up the younger sister to enjoy a cigarette and a glass of wine. Rosie becomes critical of her drinking and smoking in the house.
She begins to resent Rosie’s presence and the fact that the mother prefers Rosie. The siblings will soon discover the dire consequences of bringing an AI Rosie into their lives.
Christina Kettering‘s award-winning play Black Swans is playing at Omnibus Theatre in Clapham from 3 APR-11 MAY. To book tickets please visit the website.
