Torn, Shredded, Burnt, a new short play, observes two very different couples embarking on their first session of therapy. Louise has dragged her roommate William along to see high-profile therapist Dr Beach because she feels he "lacks agency in his life". Vanessa has brought her husband Mark to see Ruth, a down-to-earth therapist, because she believes he is having an affair with "a fucking Tory". But whose problems are really at the heart of the matter? And will the shrinks be able to sort them out?

Says the playwright: "Therapy seems to remain such a taboo subject here that I can't immediately think of anyone who would admit to trying it. This despite the fact that the couples therapy charity RELATE has a waiting list of more than six months (or so I'm told)! I am fascinated by what comes up for people in these sessions, and by the fact that these conversations can literally change lives. I'm not intending to indict or endorse therapy... I am more interested in exploring the way it can and does function in our personal lives and, invariably, in our culture. It also speaks deeply to this question of happiness, and whether it is something to which we are entitled. Certainly a luxurious concern if ever there was one."

PERFORMED AT THE SOHO THEATRE
WEDNEDSAY 7 OCTOBER 2009

Cast: Jo Burke, Emily De Cosimo, Manolis Emmanouel,
Directed by: Manolis Emmanouel 

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Photos by KONSTANTINOS XENOS www.kxdesigns.co.uk

Jo Burke

Jo studied at Goldsmiths University and Drama Studio London. Jo is currently featuring in the Film Four Sponsorship Idents. She has previously appeared with eclectic theatre company as Sophie Tourvel in Alexander’s Diary.

Jo is also a writer specialising in comedy, regularly performing stand-up on the London comedy circuit. She was a Semi-Finalist in the prestigious So You Think You’re Funny? competition held in Edinburgh this year.

For more information please visit www.joburke.com

Emily de Cosimo

Emily began her professional training at The Anna Scher Theatre School in Islington and was, for many years, represented by the agency, during which time she built up a large number of TV and film credits. She has just completed a short film for Rain-Dance called Gone in which she plays the female lead, Emma. Emily’s stage credits have been varied, with highlights including: Annie in The Gift by Nina Baldwin (The National Theatre) and TJ in Cracked at The Harbourfront Theatre in Toronto. Emily is a founding member of HENs Theatre Company, winner of The Phillip Lawrence Award, 2003. Since its inception 8 years ago, HENs has built a large repertoire of plays, workshops, interactive projects and short films which they tour nationally. Emily is currently doing freelance presenting and is delighted to be performing at The Soho Theatre.

Manolis Emmanouel (director, performer)

Manolis s a founding member of eclectic. He studied acting at the Central School of Speech and Drama and at Drama Studio London. Theatre credits include: Mirek in Guernica (National Theatre-Athens), Alexander in Alexander's Diary (Man in the Moon), Peter in Red Lanterns (Pentameters), Vittor in I Just Broke Up (White Bear), Ulysses in Hecuba (Theatre Technis), Wolfman in XXX Anonymous (Edinburgh Festival), Antonio in InTtransit (Diorama) and Andy in Rikki Beadle Blair's Taken In (Tristan Bates). Most recent film credits include Michael in TheTraveller, Kerri in Three Minute Moments and Tony in Frank. He's appeared in various TV commercials and pilots and has recorded numerous voiceovers. Manolis has also been a resident tutor/director at The Questors Theatre.