@iContact: Mirror Talk

Co-Creator, Performer

A wacky, honest and moving tragi-comedy about the secret limbos of women and inter-generational sisterhood.

Creatives

CO-CREATOR & PERFORMER Emma Kelly

CO-CREATOR & PERFORMER Neta Gracewell

SCENOGRAPHY & TECH Cheng Keng

ARTISTIC SUPPORT Nohar Lazarovitch, Alan Fielden

Alice is getting married today. Carol had four husbands, but it didn't end well with the last one… Cat is trying to fill in a form at an abortion clinic when her dead mother appears to stir things up?! Mel is looking to escape the commotion of her mother's wake, and in the basement, she finds a weird tape…

Four actors multi-role in this wacky, honest and moving comedy about the shared griefs and joys of being a woman, our secret limbos, and the importance of inter-generational sisterhood.

Presented at:

Camden Fringe Festival (2024)

The Cockpit, London (2024) *R&D

Pleasance Theatre (2023, 2022) *R&D

From the press

A Young(ish) Perspective

"Conveys a powerful message and evokes strong emotions"

- A Young(ish) Perspective

"The artistic choices, both conceptual and physical, effectively underscore the theme of “second hand” issues... making good use of a fairly reduced amount of elements"

- A Young(ish) Perspective

“Molly O’Donnell as Alice is brilliant - she never lets the comedically chaotic energy wane... Shona Graham brings a fresh and brave vulnerability as Cat"

- Always Time for Theatre

"Adding intrigue and a sense of displacement is the set and the score, courtesy of designer Ola Klos and composer Arielle Zilkha"

- Always Time for Theatre

About the process

Second Hand Problems is the love labour of writer Emma Kelly and me.

It all began back in 2022, at Slackline Sleepover, a 24hrs page-to-stage marathon. We were paired together, and with two wonderful actors we created and performed at this short play at Pleasance Theatre. From the very first moment, it was clear that there is an incredible idea here that deserves development!

Working in an all-female team,and telling stories that are about us and for us, has been such a special experience that I knew this is something I would like to focus on more in my practice.

The play has seen several R&Ds since, to create a unique storyline that truly celebrates women, especially those aged 35 and over. Camden Fringe has been our first presentation of the full length play, but there is not doubt we will keep developing it further.

“Absorbing, twisty and powerful!”

“Strong and intriguing. A clever piece of writing and unexpected turning points!”

“I really believed in these two characters"

"unexpected and beautifully done"

"It's really nice to see an all-female production!”

"the nuances of having a difficult mother figure were really well portrayed."

“The acting was phenomenal and a great directing concept with physical theatrical elements”

"Humour allows us to witness painful stories."