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
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.
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