Ruined

Ruined at Almeida Theatre

Why see Ruined?

When two new girls tainted with the stigma of their recent past arrive, Mama is forced to reassess her business priorities and personal loyalties. As tales of local atrocities spread and tensions between rebels and government militia rise, the realities of life in civil war provide the ultimate test of the human spirit.

Lynn Nottages other plays include Intimate Apparel and Fabulation. The latter was seen at the Tricycle Theatre in 2006 directed by Indhu Rubasingham, whose other recent credits include Afghanistan: The Great Game, Detaining Justice (Tricycle), Free Outgoing (Royal Court) and Yellowman (Hamsptead Theatre/Liverpool Everyman).

The cast includes Jenny JulesBig White Fog, The Homecoming (Almeida), Death and the Kings Horseman (National Theatre)and Lucian MsamatiID (Almeida), Pericles (RSC), No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency (BBC/HBO) and Death and the Kings Horseman (National Theatre).

Ruined, commissioned by the Goodman Theatre Chicago, received its world premiere in their co-production with the Manhattan Theatre Club earlier this year and was, in addition to the Pulitzer, also the recipient of seven Best Play Awards including the New York Critics Circle Award, two Drama Desk Awards and four OBIE Awards.

By Lynn Nottage

Cast

Jenny Jules
Lucian Msamati
David Ajala
Damola Adelaja
Michelle Asante
Silas Carson
Kehinde Fadipe
Joel Kangudi
Okezie Morro
Steve Toussaint
Wunmi Mosaku

Creative

Author: Lynn Nottage
Director: Indhu Rubasingham
Music by: Dominic Kanza
Sound: Christopher Shutt
Lighting designer: Oliver Fenwick
Designer: Robert Jones

Reviews

Customer reviews

1 reviews, average rating: (4.5 Stars)

Kate Margo

Outstanding portrayal of courage through conflict in the DRC

As someone who is interested in raising public awareness of the atrocities in the DRC, especially in relation to violence against women, I found Ruined gripping, real and heart wrenching, a play which could speak to the general public and make them want to get involved in the issues. Lynn Nottage succeeded in writing a script which was able to examine the complexities of the conflict in the DRC and its horrific affect on the congolese people, in particular on women, while still allowing for humour to soften the reality of war. The characters had immense strength and ability to cope in completely traumatic situations, the actors excelled in telling their stories. Ruined is disturbing at times, but has to be to portray the truth of the war that is continuing in the DRC over metal, money and power. Women's bodies are the battlefield of which this war is fought, this play portrays the stories of these women remarkably. I would reccommend that everyone goes to see this play. ... Read more
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