Kiln Theatre recently announced a two-week extension for Zadie Smith’s critically acclaimed smash-hit The Wife of Willesden due to public demand – now running at Kiln Theatre until Saturday 11 February 2023. Directed by Artistic Director Indhu Rubasingham, the production sees Clare Perkins reprising her role as Alvita.
Kiln Theatre also announced the production’s New York première at the Harvey Theater at the BAM Strong in Brooklyn from 1 to 16 April 2023. This follows the already announced stateside dates at the American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) at Harvard University from February 25 to 18 March.
A proper local legend. Married five times. Mother. Lover. Aunt. Friend. Alvita will tell her life story to anyone in the pub – there’s no shame in her game. The question is: are you ready to hear it? Because this woman’s got the gift of the gab: she can rewrite mistakes into triumphs, turn pain into parables, and her love life’s an epic poem. They call her The Wife of Willesden…
A play that celebrates the human knack for telling elaborate tales, especially about our own lives.
The Artiscape spoke to Clare Perkins about her role in the play.
Can you tell us about the play – The Wife of Willesden?
Perkins: The play is about Alvita, she has been married five times and has a LOT to say about it! It’s also about storytelling and being ‘creative’ with the facts, albeit very faithful to the events in the original Wife of Bath’s tale.
What are the challenges for you in performing in live performances versus TV?
Perkins: Well one challenge is remembering way more lines, but the rest is really an opportunity to define, polish and really dig into and enjoy the glories of the text.
You play Alvita. Can you tell us about this character you play?
Perkins: Alvita is outspoken (and a bit rude)! She’s also loyal to her friends and loves her local pub; she is probably still hoping for Mr. Right although she’s on her fifth marriage.
What, if any, have been the challenges for the team in putting this production together?
Perkins: I can’t speak FOR the team but I will say they are wonder. I feel fully supported and they go above and beyond to make everything right, I’m really looking forward to travelling with them when we go to the US.
What are you looking forward to in performing in the show at Kiln Theatre?
Perkins: The Kiln has a strong local connection with the surrounding community, I’m looking forward to giving these people a good night out.
What do you think the audience will enjoy about this production?
Perkins: The production has an intimate feel, it’s like you’re in a pub and it’s bawdy and funny, I’m hoping the audience will love this.
Kiln Theatre presents
THE WIFE OF WILLESDEN
Adapted by Zadie Smith
From Chaucer’s THE WIFE OF BATH
Kiln Theatre: 14 December 2022 – 11 February 2023; Media night 20 December
American Repertory Theater, Harvard University: 25 February – 18 March 2023
Harvey Theater, BAM Strong, Brooklyn: 1 – 16 April 2023
