Loosely based on the infamous Papín sisters who brutally murdered their employer and her daughter in Le Mans, France, in 1933, THE MAIDS tells the story of two servants who act out elaborate role-plays while their mistress is away, all centered around killing her. Solange and Claire’s elaborate role-plays build, the line between fantasy and reality begins to blur, and their games begin to take a sinister turn when jealousy, resentment, sexual tension and murder converge.
“The play has been on my mind for about ten years now,” said Artistic Director Jennifer Decker. “Genet’s work fits perfectly in with our dark and often surrealist aesthetic, and it speaks to our mission of gender parity in casting. We’re excited to re-visit this modern classic and give it our own unique twist.”
Jon Harvey, a Mildred’s Umbrella company member and the director of last year’s hit THE DROWNING GIRLS, has been tapped to helm the production. “I’m thrilled Jennifer has entrusted me with this piece and has given me another opportunity to direct for Mildred’s Umbrella,” said Harvey. “Genet writes in a dreamy dark prose that draws you to the underbelly of society. In THE MAIDS, we watch as these two servants role-play, scheme and fight for the adoration of a master they despise – yet in the end, remain slaves still indebted to their mistress.”
The piece will be a reunion of many other members of THE DROWNING GIRLS team as well. Returning to the stage are Patricia Duran and Courtney Lomelo starring as Solange and Claire while the design team of Andy McWilliams (sound), Jodi Bobrovsky (set design), Greg Starbird (lighting) and Lindsay Burns (costumes) are also joining forces again to create a holistic theatrical experience. Rounding out the cast is Lindsay Ehrhardt, who we welcome to the Mildred’s mainstage in the role of Madame.