Tess is a groundbreaking adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s classic novel Tess of the D’Urbervilles.
An ensemble of performers weave together Hardy’s words and the extreme physicality of circus to tell this tale of power, loss and endurance.
Against a backdrop of projections the cast wield wooden planks, climb shifting walls and move through ropes and swathes of linen to evoke the vast landscapes and interior worlds of Hardy’s Wessex.
It is a story which still has extraordinary relevance for our times in its incredibly nuanced evocation of female relationships, sexual desire, consent, privilege and poverty.
This retelling captures the beauty, heartbreak and yearning of the novel and draws upon the incredible strength of the circus body to create a Tess as heroic as Hardy intended.
Running time: 2 hours + interval
Age recommendation: 12+
“there’s something magical about Ockham’s Razor” – Evening Standard
“physically thrilling” – The Sunday Times
“beautifully human” – The Times
Adapted and Directed by Alex Harvey and Charlotte Mooney – Ockham’s Razor
Produced by Alison King – Turtle Key Arts
Choreography Nathan Johnston
Composition, Sound Design and Production Holly Khan
Design & Equipment Concept Ockham’s Razor in association with Tina Bicât
Set and Costume Design Tina Bicât
Lighting Design Aideen Malone
Video Design Daniel Denton
Script Advisor Anne-Marie Casey
Commissioned by The Lowry, Salford and London International Mime Festival.
Funded by Arts Council England, The Foyle Foundation, PRS Foundation’s The Open Fund for Organisations, Garrick Charitable Trust and Royal Victoria Hall Foundation.
Suppored by artsdepot, Shoreditch Town Hall, National Centre for Circus Arts, Bristol Circus City and MimeLondon.
