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Não somos loucas! - A peça Hysteria relembra o sofrimento das mulheres no séc XIX

This summer, the Barbican’s bite programme extends beyond its walls to St Bartholomew’s Hospital. For the first time Grupo XIX de Teatro visits the UK and performs Hysteria in the evocative setting of The Great Hall. Hysteria is a welcome addition to bite’s previous site-specific performances which include Underground by dreamthinkspeak, set in a disused abattoir, Spiral by Lone Twin, a journey through the unique spaces of the Barbican estate, and Rider Spoke by Blast Theory which asked participants to get on their bikes and cycle around the city streets in search of secret hiding places.

Hysteria explores society’s attitudes to women. The setting is a 19th century mental institution where women were interred for promiscuity or adultery and branded hysterical. The cast of five share the performance space with women in the audience, whilst the male audience watch the action from a traditional seating bank. Through gentle interaction, the piece explores the similarities and differences between the lives of the 19th century women and their contemporary counterparts. Though social expectations and standards have changed, Hysteria demonstrates that there is still much uniting women across the centuries, whether it be relationships with men or their thoughts and feelings about motherhood.

For 6 years, this young Brazilian company, directed by Luiz Fernando Marques, has been creating outstanding site-specific pieces in historical locations in Brazil, Portugal and France. Hysteria has won six awards, including best theatre piece at the Festival de Teatro de Americana.

Barbican Centre

Wednesday 4 June – Saturday 14 June 2008