The critically acclaimed Dr Semmelweis opens at the Harold Pinter Theatre on 11 July, with previews from 29 June, and running until Saturday 7 October.
Starring Mark Rylance as one of medicine’s greatest pioneers, maverick Hungarian doctor Ignaz Semmelweis – the man whose research could save many millions of mothers’ lives.
In Vienna, a city of artistic and scientific revolution, thousands of women are still dying in childbirth each and every year. Only Dr Semmelweis can see the invisible killer at work, but to stop it, he must convince his colleagues to admit culpability and approve change.
Damned by an establishment that questions his methods, his motives and even his sanity, Semmelweis is haunted by the women he has failed to save. Can he finally convince the greatest doctors of 19th century Europe to accept his argument – and what will it cost him to make an almost impossible case?
It was originally developed by the National Theatre Studio and produced by Bristol Old Vic, opening on 20 January 2022 in association with Sonia Friedman Productions, the National Theatre and Shakespeare Road.
The Artiscape spoke with Suzy Halstead, who is playing Violet-May Blackledge.
What attracts you to the script?
Halstead: It’s real life. It’s a very thought-provoking subject that is still incredibly relevant today.
Unfortunately, sepsis and a lot of the trials woman go through during birth are not widely spoken
about so it is a privilege to be part of this cast to shine a light on these subjects.
How do you feel about reprising your role in this production?
Halstead: It’s wonderful to discover more and dive deeper into this story. I have not had a child so it’s been
fascinating (and also heart breaking) listening to those that have to help support what we as the
Mothers are trying to emote every night.
How would you describe the character you play?
Halstead: As the dancers we portray the Mothers that could have been saved. The women who went through love and loss. We continually keep the pressure on Semmelweis. We are a constant reminder to him to keep working and discovering to find a cure.
What do you think an audience will enjoy about this production of Dr Semmelweis?
Halstead: My parents came in Bristol not knowing what to expect and spent the time enjoying a very thought-provoking subject executed at the highest level of acting. My mum being a nurse didn’t know about Semmelweis and found it to be an incredibly interesting subject. It is also a story of female
empowerment which feels very relevant to today.
Dr Semmelweis opens at the Harold Pinter Theatre on 11 July, with previews from 29 June, and running until Saturday 7 October. For more information visit the Harold Pinter website.
