play · Plays/Drama

The City for Incurable Women

At Nottingham Playhouse, Nottingham · 1 performance from Sat 12 Sept to Sat 12 Sept.

An outrageous – and true – tale of medical misogyny, telling the story of patients performing ‘hysteria’ onstage in 19th century Paris. Ladies and Gentlemen — feeling a little upset? Tried hypnosis, psychoanalysis or smelling salts, and it still doesn’t work? Welcome to The City for Incurable Women. Paris, 1880s. Inside a grand psychiatric hospital, women diagnosed with “hysteria” are made to perform their symptoms for an eager public. Their bodies become evidence. Their suffering becomes spectacle. Today, in the 21st century, storyteller Kae begins to uncover this disturbing medical history.

Age guidance from the venue: 14+.