Who is Claude Cahun? by D.R. Hill

How do you resist, as a transgender in Nazi occupied Jersey?

DRH Arts / Exchange Theatre / Southwark Playhouse

Directed by David Furlong

“David Furlong’s assured direction manages to keep the narrative threads coherent, and the change of tone from surrealism to historical biography are smooth and effective.” ★★★ Fairypowered

“A fascinating depiction of resistance, queerness, and Jewishness that promotes a deeply resonant and relevant history.” ★★★ A Young(ish) perspective 

“Who Is Claude Cahun? is a rare piece of theatre: rich in history, emotionally intelligent, and profoundly relevant. All of the performances were excellent, the writing is sharp, and the story is one that demands to be told. A fascinating, moving, and timely piece of theatre. Thoroughly recommended.”   ★★★★ London Theatre 1  

“An incredibly important and scarily relevant watch, and pays a lovely homage to our soldier and artist.”  ★★★★ Stage to Page

“Sizzlingly relevant and urgent, Who Is Claude Cahun? is one of the most compelling pieces of theatre currently staged in London!” ★★★★ Shinylife.co.uk

“Suffused with the spirit of surrealism.”  ★★★☆ Lou Reviews

“Exceptionally true to the recorded history and fight against fascism.” ★★★☆ The Reviews Hub   

“Furlong’s direction builds up a promising narrative framework.” ★★★ Theatre Weekly

courage in the face of persecution

A person dressed in an avant-garde costume with a painted white face mask and black detailing, sitting on a red floor against a dark background.

Who is Claude Cahun? is created by DRH Arts, in association with Exchange Theatre, with five diverse actors, video design, and surreal masks and movement. DRH Arts and Exchange Theatre bring their unique touch to realise the extraordinary story of Cahun and Moore.  

Born Lucie Schwob, a queer artist and writer part of the surrealist movement in Paris in the 1930s, Claude Cahun struggled in their search for gender identity in the male dominated art world. From a Jewish family, they relocated to Jersey with their long-term partner, Marcel Moore (born Suzanne Malherbe). When the island is occupied by the Nazis in 1940, the pair use guerrilla art to actively resist the occupying forces. Pursued by the Gestapo, their true story is a forgotten tale of courage and determination to be true to personal identity. Who is Claude Cahun? shines a light on real-life resistance heroes, left invisible for too long.  

David Furlong said “Claude Cahun’s life, and determined search for personal identity, is inspirational. We might assume that today Claude would consider themselves trans, imagine that persona and profile living under a Nazi regime! Their resistance activity, alongside life time partner, Marcel Moore, is the material for great drama.”

D.R. Hill

D.R. Hill is a writer and actor whose previous plays include Draining the Swamp, Peace in our Town (co-written with Barrie Keeffe), All Change, The Tale of the Cornwoman, and Project Seven. His short story collection, House Clearance, was shortlisted for the Eyelands International Book Awards. He has also published Voices of Culture (The Role of Culture in Promoting Refugee Inclusion) co-written as a commission from the European Union, and ArtReach 25 Years of Cultural Development.

Two people smiling at each other, one holding a piece of paper, onstage
Two people onstage, a person sitting on the floor and a man standing behind them, at the, with the caption ‘Jersey, 1944.’
A woman kneeling on a stage through an arch, illuminated by a spotlight, with a worried expression while gesturing with her hands.
A man and a woman engaged in a heated conversation on stage, with red curtains in the background.
A person lying inside an open wooden wardrobe with their head resting on a doll, bright stage lighting highlighting them and the wardrobe on a dark background.

Creative Team

Directed by David Furlong

Set Design by Juliette Demoulin

Video design by Jeffrey Choy

Costumes by Anne McLeman

Lighting design by Matt Biss

Two individuals facing each other in profile with a dark background, close-up shot.
Two male actors performing on stage with a large bust sculpture background. One actor is sitting, mid-speech, while the other actor is kneeling behind him and smiling.
Two people on stage engaging in conversation, with a puppet dressed in red velvet and white lace, wearing a pink flower crown, between them.
Three actors on stage, one man seated, two people standing behind him, both with vintage headscarves, appearing intense, against a dark background.
Two men performing on stage, one peeking from behind a red curtain, with a surreal backdrop featuring faces

Reviews and Audience feedback

Who is Claude Cahun? Teaser

Arts Council funded Workshops

Who is Claude Cahun? Trailer 3