Review: THE MAIDS, Donmar Warehouse

Photo credit: Marc Brenner

The Maids, originally written by Jean Genet in 1947, has been adapted by Kit Williams into a 21st century TikTok extravaganza. The show is hardhitting, extreme and incredibly well acted. The play itself tells the story of two sisters who share a secret. When the elusive Madame, their boss, is away, they act out their immersive rituals of playing her life. However, their daydreams often spin out of their own control and become a little too real. This production communicates how obsession, desire and power can corrupt and lead to self-destruction.

The concept of this piece is communicated well. The Maids is being brought into the 21st century by highlighting how social media and overconsumption is undermining our ability to form human connections. The creative team is fully committed to Williams’ message, with lighting, sound and set all operating around communicating these ideas. Dan Belfour’s sound design successfully brings the audience into the present day and increases the relatability of the dark characters we meet on stage. For example, the characters using sound in the ritual scenes to dramatise what they are saying draws comparison to how people curate and enhance moments on social media to make the ‘perfect moment’. Similarly, Rosanna Vize’s set design captures the artificial perfection often seen on social media, with the set having a polished falseness that gets destroyed by the characters on stage.

However, the heavy reliance on technical effects detracts from the performances taking place on stage, with it sometimes being difficult to know where to look. The use of projection and video editing throughout does reinforce the play’s commentary surrounding image, identity and how we portray ourselves but the overuse of this dilutes the emotional impact. The constant visual stimulation did, at points, overshadow the actors’ performances, making the play as a whole feel more stated to the audience than felt by them.

Saying that, the actors deserve high praise for their exceptional portrayals of these roles. The cast consists of three incredibly talented performers, Yerin Ha as the Madame, and Lydia Wilson and Phia Saban as her Maids. Together, they draw the audience in through their sharp deliveries and pointed physicality. Wilson and Saban navigate the complex elements of their roles with impressive depth. Communicating well their struggles for identity outside of each other and their role of Maid to Madame. This show is carried by these performances and is a key reason why it is engaging to watch.

Even with its extreme technical factors, Kit Williams’ adaption of The Maids is worth seeing for its bold designs and thought-provoking performances.

*** Three stars

Reviewed by: Amelia Griffiths

The Maids plays at the Donmar Warehouse until 29 November, with further info here.