A daring exploration of women pushed to the edge, landmark Australian play The Bleeding Tree
will have its UK premiere at Southwark Playhouse Borough, having previously won the Griffin
Award, the Helpmann Award for Best Play and the David Williamson Prize for Excellence in
Writing for Australian Theatre. This moving yet darkly funny drama from acclaimed playwright
Angus Cerini follows a mother and her two daughters who, in order to survive, have had to go to
extremes.
Following years of abuse from the man of the house, The Bleeding Tree’s leading women have
finally reached the end of their tether and shot him dead. Now they must deal with their
fluctuating feelings – from shock to relief to guilt – all whilst figuring out how to dispose of a
body. This lyrical work examines women’s resilience and gives a voice to women who have
experienced domestic violence.
In a production directed by Sophie Drake and presented by Jessie Anand Productions, The
Bleeding Tree will offer a fascinating exploration of the moral ambiguity around what we do
when pushed to the limit. It also reflects on the shades of grey around whistleblowing, as the
complicity of the women’s community in covering up what is happening to their neighbours
comes to light. Cerini’s play revels in its language and in the Australian Gothic genre, and
ultimately celebrates the strength and bravery of three women that the audience can’t help but
root for in their struggle to survive.
Director Sophie Drake comments, ‘I am delighted to bring Angus Cerini’s dark and lyrical world to
Southwark Playhouse. The play draws on themes that speak to a universal audience and is
uniquely expressive in form and language. It’s a piece that has been lauded as a landmark
Australian play, so I am thrilled to be directing its European premiere this Spring.’
Listings
The Bleeding Tree
Dates Wednesday 29th May – Saturday 22nd June 2024
Location Southwark Playhouse Borough (Little), 77-85 Newington Causeway,
London, SE1 6BD
How to get there The nearest stations are Borough and Elephant & Castle
Tickets Tickets are available from £10 – £22 at
https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/the-bleeding-tree
Guidance 14+, references to murder, domestic violence, and animal cruelty, use
of strong language, and descriptions of a human body after death
Writer Angus Cerini (he/him)
Director Sophie Drake (she/her)
Producer Jessie Anand Productions
Set / Costume Designer Jasmine Swan (she/her)
Movement Director Iskandar R. Sharazuddin (he/him)
Lighting Designer Ali Hunter (she/her)
Composer / Sound Designer Fran Amewudah-Rivers (she/her)
Casting Director Fran Cattaneo (she/her)