Agnes Colander: An Attempt at Life

Decades Ahead Of Its Time

Not too long ago, a play asserting female independence and a determination for change was discovered in the British Library. The astonishing thing is that this play was amongst Edwardian playwright Harley Granville Barker's papers and it had remained hidden for a century. Reworked by American playwright Richard Nelson, Agnes Colander: An Attempt at Life explores love, sexual attraction and independence in a witty and engaging voice that resonates with the social climates of today; one where a woman may still need to assert her right to shape her own life. The Tony and Olivier Award-winning, Sir Trevor Nunn directs the London premiere at Jermyn Street Theatre as part of their Portrait Season, where it will play for five weeks only.

What Is Agnes Colander About?

The titular character is an artist living in Kensington who, three years ago, left her unfaithful husband Henry. While Henry believes they should reunite and writes begging for another chance, Agnes has by now had a personal awakening. Agnes is no longer the same naive girl she was when she married far too young, and as her independence has grown, so too has her ambition. Ignoring Henry's pleas, she travels from London to France where she finds herself torn between Otho, a worldly Danish artist and Alec, an infatuated younger suitor. Agnes cannot deny her desire to be loved but struggles to reconcile this with her artistic pursuits and her yearning to live as the independent woman she has become.