A One – Woman black comedy, where invisible illness and a ‘hostile environment’ collide.
Air is invisible.
A vibe is invisible.
Time is invisible.
A giggle is invisible.
And so are many illnesses.
‘Illusions of Liberty’ is a black comedy about, a woman who has a fake identity, but not one of her choosing. She is in a constant battle to maintain what people believe she is. It’s a matter of survival. Over the course of four days, after some traumatic news, she battles with hard truths and convincing lies.
Liberty Jones is a Principal Cellist. For five years she has been plagued with an increasing number of bewildering symptoms. Five days ago, Liberty Jones received a diagnosis of an invisible illness. Against the backdrop of a ‘hostile environment’, this black comedy follows her for four days, when we see her struggle with her diagnosis, the mother-daughter relationship, and what it means to have an illness no one can actually see.
As she struggles to maintain her equilibrium in her new status and relationships.
How does she feel when the dust settles? How does she deal with her new normal? How many new ‘normals’ will she have to adjust to, in four days?
Backed by live music, this funny, poignant semi-autobiographical play challenges us to look below the surface and ‘see’ the invisible.
Lorna Wells, writer of the play said: “You can look really well, act perfectly ‘normally’ and be suffering from the most crippling symptoms and conditions. This can cause prejudice, misunderstanding, unfair judgement, and a lot of Drama. People often say that, they’re not pretending to be sick, they’re pretending to be well. I wanted to write something which could tell the stories of people with Invisible illnesses, but also highlight issues around the hostile environment, examine the-mother daughter relationship and racism”.
Lorna Wells – Playwright
Despite chronic illness over the years and having to give up career after career, as a Singer-Songwriter, running a dance and vocal workshop business creating, mini-musicals for children and running a music agency, Lorna found a new role in writing. Lorna has found writing to be very therapeutic (especially comedy) although at times, incredibly challenging, due to her illnesses. This play is a semi-autobiographical piece about living with an illness that no one see, and the mother-daughter relationship. It has been four years in the making. Lorna wanted it to give a voice to the often hidden and voiceless. Lorna has previously written the Book and Lyrics of the Musical ‘It Tastes Like Home’, after beginning An MA in Writing for Musical Theatre at Goldsmiths University. London. ‘It Tastes Like Home’ had three theatre runs in 2016, 2017 and 2018 to critical acclaim.
Lorna is grateful to have received funding for’ Illusions of Liberty’ from the Arts Council and The National Lottery England for this project.
Corinne Walker – ‘Liberty Jones’
Corinne Walker is a professional actress who trained at East 15 School of Drama. She has worked consistently within her profession ever since, both as a performer and theatre practitioner. She is passionate about championing talent in the South West and has links with the Tobacco Factory, Bristol Old Vic, Beyond Face, Missing Pieces and Travelling Light Theatre Company. Corinne is a versatile performer, able to perform in theatre aimed at children, with Travelling Light Theatre Company, as well as performing in more adult theatre with Beyond face, Missing Pieces and Divergent Theatre Collective to name a few. Corinne is also a writer who has written and performed in her own One woman show at the Bristol Old Vic. She is currently writing and directing her first short film as part of the BBC New Creatives Scheme. she is also currently the U.K voice of ‘Miss Bunty’ in the Nickelodeon show ‘Max and Ruby’.
‘Illusions of Liberty’ is directed by Aisling Gallagher and produced by Rebecca Dilg.
‘Illusions of Liberty’ had its premiere at the King’s Head Theatre, London as part of their Playmill festival in 2019. It got an incredibly good reception from the audiences at the time. This is a further development of the play which will be live-streamed and is funded by the Arts Council England
The production will work with three charities in a joint fundraising venture. A percentage of the ticket sales will be divided between three charities whose members live with Invisible illness.
The play will be live-streamed over three consecutive nights. The tickets will be available at the Box office www.applecarts.com You can book tickets via the website, or for more details, visit www.illusionsofliberty.co.uk
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About Applecart Arts
We at Applecart believe that stories are potent and have the power to challenge, change and strengthen communities… We aim to reach across cultural divides and tell stories which engage, inspire and entertain our audiences”. Applecart Arts have invested in live-streaming theatre shows. They have a strong reputation for quality and excellence in this area. Theatre and the arts are changing, and Applecart has changed with it.
