If you’ve ever wanted to feel truly noticed, seen, heard and felt, then Tennessee Williams’ Orpheus Descending might just be the ticket. This classic American play opens at London’s Cockpit Theatre on 25 June 2025, brought to life by Conjure Productions in their debut show.
If you fancy witnessing a classic with a new voice, keep an eye out for Orpheus Descending at the Cockpit Theatre
The story revolves around Val, a mysterious and charismatic drifter, who meets Lady, a storekeeper trapped in the grey and ashen world of a mid-century Southern American town. Val’s arrival sparks a swirl of passion, desire and chaos - though whether the pair find salvation or just more trouble is something audiences will have to discover.
Directed by Anna Barkan, this production is performed by recent graduates from LAMDA and promises an expressionistic and poetic approach to the material. Conjure Productions is a new theatre company focused on staging modern classics through ensemble and movement, aiming to give fresh life to well-known works.
Williams, an acclaimed playwright of the 20th century, has long been celebrated for his lyrical dramas and his portraits of lost souls. His career highlights include A Streetcar Named Desire and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, both Pulitzer Prize winners, as well as a slew of other notable plays.
Anna Barkan brings a wealth of experience from her work across Russia and the UK, including directing several productions at LAMDA where she also teaches acting. Her speciality in the Michael Chekhov technique underpins the artistic vision for this show.
If you fancy witnessing a classic with a new voice, keep an eye out for Orpheus Descending at the Cockpit Theatre from 25 June, with press nights on 26 and 27 June.
