A theatrical drama adapted from an multi-award-winning short thriller will arrive in Manchester this spring – featuring a star from Bridgerton as an off-stage voice.
Director Jake Murray, co-founder of the Elysium Theatre Company, told Mancunian Matters: “The Moth will be like nothing audiences have ever seen before.
“Love it or hate it, you will not forget it.”
Written by Paul Herzberg for Murray’s company and now featuring Adjoa Andoh (Lady Danbury in Bridgerton), The Moth was originally a ten-minute thriller produced in 2020 under lockdown conditions for the company’s ’Covid-19 Monologues’ series.
After attracting global recognition and features at 26 film festivals worldwide, Herzberg and Elysium adapted the spine-chilling monologue into a full-scale theatre piece.
Andoh lends her voice to the off-stage character of Joy/mother of John.
On directing Andoh for the first time, Murray said: “Adjoa didn’t want direction.
“She’s an outstanding actress and she delivered this flawless reading of the script.
“It was absolutely perfect, absolutely beautiful.”
The play is set to come to Salford’s Lowry theatre in April.
Based upon a true story, it explores the strained relationship between black British activist John, played by Faz Singhateh, and Micky Cochrane’s Marius, a white South African ex-soldier.
Their chance encounter on a train in the 1990s sets into motion a chain of events, fostering a connection between the two that changes their lives forever.
Murray said: “It’s a stunning thriller that gets to the heart of the world we live in today with all its tensions and divisions, but holding out hope for the future.”
The two-man show will feature the characters years later, engaged in a compelling battle vying for the support of the audience as they address themes of racism, masculinity, and the readdressing of history.
Murray said: “The play reflects the reality of racism as on a spectrum, from subliminal micro aggressions, to violent or institutional racism.
“It addresses individuality and identity culture, the dangerous cycle of punishment and redemption.
“It explores accountability and forgiveness, and the complex nature and limits of this.”
In a recent interview with Palatinate, Herzberg discussed the current importance of having these frank conversations, referencing the “pernicious” racism of today’s era, with its Trumpian politics, and far-right movements in Europe.
The Elysium Theatre Company has hopes to tour the stage show internationally – but for now there’s still time to book Salford tickets to the world premiere tour of ‘The Moth’.
The Moth is playing at Aldridge Studio, Lowry, from 10th April to 12th April 2025. Tickets are available here.
Feature image: Adjoa Andoh
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