A SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD. TITLE

The Memory of Water

Full-Length Play, Dramatic Comedy  /  4w, 2m

Three sisters meet on the eve of their mother’s funeral. As the conflicts of the past converge, everyday lies and tensions reveal the particular patterns and strains of family relationships through surprisingly deft humour.

  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    4w, 2m
  • Duration
    Duration
    More than 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult
Accolades
Accolades
  • Winner! 2000 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy

Details

Summary

Three sisters meet on the eve of their mother’s funeral. As the conflicts of the past converge, everyday lies and tensions reveal the particular patterns and strains of family relationships. Comedy and tragedy intersperse as the sisters’ memories interact with each other, failing to coalesce around one unifying experience. 

History

The Memory of Water received its premiere off the West End at the Hampstead Theatre in London on 11 July 1996. It then debuted off-Broadway at New York City Center Stage II on 10 November 1998, starring J. Smith-Cameron.

MARY
VI
TERESA
CATHERINE
MIKE
FRANK

  • Time Period Contemporary
  • Setting

    A family bedroom.

  • Features Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes
  • Duration More than 120 minutes (2 hours)

Media

“A deeply felt, richly funny study of the pervasive power of the past.” – The Guardian

“The dialogue sparkles ... cracking new work.” – Jewish Chronicle

“Highly satisfying... provokes its audience to bursts of recognition, laughter and sorrow.” – The Arts Fuse

Videos

  • The Memory of Water – Ensemble Theatre Trailer youtube thumbnail

    The Memory of Water – Ensemble Theatre Trailer

  • The Memory of Water – Hampstead Theatre Behind the Scenes youtube thumbnail

    The Memory of Water – Hampstead Theatre Behind the Scenes

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £70 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

    Please submit a license request to determine availability.

Scripts

Available Formats:

Authors

Shelagh Stephenson

Shelagh Stephenson: Her first play, THE MEMORY OF WATER, was produced at Hampstead Theatre and subsequently in the West End, where it won the Olivier Award for Best Comedy. Its American premiere was at Steppenwolf, and it was then seen at Manhattan Theatre Club. Her play AN E ...
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