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A Twist of Lemon Gallery... click on thumbnail to enlarge image
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A Twist of Lemon... The Background
Open Clasp's Friends of Dorothy project saw the company working exclusively with lesbians and young lesbians to create a performance piece whose sole focus is on a lesbian experience, and all the diversity that comes with it. Running throughout 2007 and 2008 the project saw series of drama workshops with several lesbian groups across the North East. The groups each created a character, and gave their character a life story, considering the issues and experiences which had shaped her life and how it might change. These characters were brought together into a script by Open Clasp's Artistic Director and Writer, Catrina McHugh. The resulting play A Twist of Lemon toured in September 2008.
Butch Jackie wants a holiday, so four women set off to the island of Lesvos.
However a lost suitcase, along with a white knuckle ride on the resorts
banana boat not only put one woman’s back out but results in the women
having a major fallout.
Set against the backdrop of adversity A Twist of Lemon highlights the
courage, strength and humility of young lesbians and lesbians living in the
North East and gives audiences a rare opportunity to witness the stories of
a minority that, in the main part, are invisible to the rest of society.
Like heterosexuals they fall in and out of love, experience the trials and
tribulations of bringing up children, but their lives bare the imprint of a
world where they, and their children, experience prejudice and
discrimination. It takes time for change, but how slow does this clock have
to tick? Open Clasp say its time to wind it up.
To read the Evaluation Report for the Friends of Dorothy Project and A Twist of Lemon Tour click here.
"Life changing. Loved every minute - even when it was hard - so thank you." Friends of Dorothy participant
"Fantastic play, music, acting, scenery. I felt the sea air on my face and the pain Jo was going through. Brilliant!" Audience member
“I laughed till my sides ached and was choked to stop tears falling cos it really did bring home to me some issues that I would never have given a second thought to...” Audience member
"Amazing, totally loved it. Get on the banana boat again - it was hilarious" Audience member
"Yet again... another wonderful production - Serious issues dealt with in such realistic, sensitive, humorous & educational ways - Makes me even prouder to be a woman - thanks." Audience member
"The fine line
between comedy and tragedy is clearly defined in McHugh's writing,
providing a rollercoaster of a ride for the audience who are kept on the
edge of their seat at all times. This brave piece of theatre not only
promotes diversity but also pushes the similarities that all humans can
face regardless of gender or sexuality. With the blast of modern music,
observed writing and flawless performances, A Twist of Lemon
ticks all the right boxes, making it an unmissable piece of theatre.
Open Clasp is truly a treasure of the north east that must be supported
and encouraged to become a treasure of the nation." British Theatre
Guide (click
here to read the full review)
A Twist of Lemon was supported by...
The following groups directly informed the creation of A Twist of Lemon:
Women 4 Women; Harts Gables; Women's Group in Middlesbrough (brought together by Lesley Duggan LBi Women's Network Officer for Middlesbrough & Just Women); Young Lesbian Group (women from three projects - Tyneside Young Lesbian Project, WEYES & Outpost); Stockton Riverside College (student group); Women attending the LBi Conference.
The following funders supported the A Twist of Lemon tour and/or the Friends of Dorothy project:
The Equality and Human Rights Commission; Hadrian Trust; Lankelly Chase; The Links Foundation; Newcastle City Council; Northern Rock Foundation.