WHISPERS
Emotionally epic, devised horror solo show that is imaginative far beyond the power of human reason…
, WHISPERS by MOS,
Premiere: 22nd August 2022, 11:40am, Venue 53, theSpaceUK Surgeons Hall – Theatre 1, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh, Scotland
Performed by Pat Zajac
Written by Kate Diuk and Pat Zajac
Directed by Kate Diuk
Music: Pat Zajac
VO: Pat Zajac, Ray Calleja, Lukasz Leszkiewicz, Stephen Corrall, Suzanne Senior, Wendy LAp, Mikolaj Figiel, Aryan Stanley
More on official Fb profile: https://www.facebook.com/whisperstheatricalplay/?ref=pages_you_manage
Interview with Pat Zajac and Kate Diuk, in Polish, Emito.net
Reviews:
Diane Parkes Media, Weekend Notes
In a one-woman performance, Pat Zajac takes on the role of the mysterious Jones, telling her story in bursts using a handful of props from the suitcase and jumping backwards and forwards in time. We quickly discover she has been incarcerated in a lunatic asylum but only slowly learn why.
The tale is an excoriating exploration of women’s lack of rights in the Victorian era in which a woman could be forced into a marriage in which she held no power and, if she attempted to step outside the bounds of convention, society would crush her.(…)
Fashion Mommy’s Blog
Whispers is a truly haunting piece of theatre, one which lingers in the mind long after it has finished. A take on the Victorian tradition of the Penny Dreadful, it is a one women act (Pat Zajac) (…) It is a brutal, compelling performance of a women unravelling in the madness of a situation (…)
Hugh Simpson, All Edinburgh Theatre
The story of PM Jones, a 19th century woman destroyed by a loveless marriage and driven to desperation. The end result, while uneven, is undoubtedly powerful.
(…) use of archaic language is always fitting, and there can be no doubting the commitment of Zajac to the role. There is also no question of the sincerity behind the play, with its evocation of the horrendous treatment of women under the law in Victorian Britain – treatment due to the double standards that persist to this day.(…)
Reviews from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Audience:
A wonderful performance of a great piece of writing, against the background of the position of women in Victorian Britain. A true horror story.
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It was an outstanding and very emotional performance by Patrycja! Depressing atmosphere created during the play made it a real thrilling masterpiece!
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Amazing Performance! A dark journey into the psyche of an abused woman during Victorian times. Pat poured her whole soul into the character with an emotionally gripping ending. The production was incredibly clever given the challenges of such a long monologue and such a heavy theme. The performance left me contemplating women’s rights and how there are still places in the world that resort to such barbaric methods, as well, places that are currently stripping away womens autonomy. In my opinion, we need more performances that have us contemplating history and the present. Well done Pat, Kate and all those involved!
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I prefer film to theatre, but not in the case of this production. I didn’t realise that emotions from the stage can be so vivid and can touch and take you over in such a powerful way. This is horror where blood is replaced by psychological terror, making it even scarier. It leaves the watcher with something to think about and a few questions to be addressed.
I highly recommend it, despite the anxiety that is hard to wash off.
* * *
A marvelous performance with a beautifully crafted soundtrack that enhances every aspect of the story. The actress is able to excellently portray the character and her inner conflict and turmoil as she begins to break down and the lines of morality begin to blur. You can tell a lot of passion and effort went into every aspect of the show and it all comes together in beautiful harmony that can truly be called horror.
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Outstanding show, great atmosphere and touching story about dark times in Brittish history when women were abused by mysogynic society. Very minimalistic and convincing set up with great atmosphere, a must see hidden gem of this years line up. 5 stars
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A very well thought out piece of theatre. Excellently executed. Watching the inner turmoil of the character unfold was very powerful. Beautiful storytelling. A must see piece of art. Highly recommend!
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A stunning piece of writing acted brilliantly with both body and soul. Physically strong and emotionally demanding, this intriguing story did not disappoint. In addition it was a technical masterpiece with intelligent, creative and powerful use of sound and light. Go and see it and you won’t be disappointed!
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A really moving and interesting story, brilliantly acted by the very talented actress Patrycja Zajac. Beautifully staged with lighting and sound scape. A must see in my humble opinion, for anyone attending the Edinburgh fringe festival this year, who wants to see some great theatre!
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Fabulous performance by the actress in this emotive, though-provoking show.
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Great atmosphere, well acted.
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I absolutely loved the play and appreciate topics updating the content to suit today’s outlook. Simple stage, perfect lights, sounds effects and Patrycja- couldn’t have asked for more.
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Whispers immediately immerses you into Victorian Britain, its soundtrack is subtle and haunting yet emphatic leaving the audience in no doubt where they are without patronising. The torment of the main character is beautifully played and as the story begins to emerge, grips you with the injustice and double standards that women had to endure in this time. Again, top marks to the musical composition which gave an infusion of atmosphere along with the sounds and whispers, creating an eerie unsettling setting. The story is a well written psychological horror with twists and turns that keep you wondering how it might end. You forget that this is a one person play as you are torn between feeling empathy and disaffection as events are replayed in the mind of the victim, heroine or perpetrator, you get to decide.
* * *
Blown away. It’s dark, sad (and sexy!) sharing the tale of the crime and reasoning of a victorian murderess. A one woman show plus clever use of plot-driving character voices weaving in and out keep you engaged and on your toes throughout. 5 star from me! *****
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Last Saturday I was lucky enough to attend this play. I was more than stunned by the talent of Pat Zając, words can’t explain how magnificent the emotions were acted out. Kat Diuk did such an excellent work! This theatrical performance was very real and did a great job to spread awereness about things that not always were talked about and sometimes still are not unfortunetully. Also don’t get me started about the artistic framing-outstanding! Art is being performed at such a high level! In brief I’d go again without thinking twice. I highly, highly recommend this masterpiece.
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‘Whispers’ was one of the biggest treats that I discovered this summer in Edinburgh! This one-woman show takes us to the Victorian era where people may have cared about many things, but certainly not about the woman’s perspective. ‘Whispers’ is the complete opposite in this regard: the woman’s perspective is the only one that matters, and the protagonist is so likeable and hopeless in her life circumstances that we can’t help but like and pity her despite the crime she commits. I found the play wonderfully uncomfortable to watch, because already very early on, I found myself cheering the protagonist with all my heart as well as hating her husband and the society that she was forced to live in. The play bravely raises difficult topics such as mental health, adultery, or uncontrollable hatred that can grow in someone over the years of misery. I love how focused and expressive Patrycja was throughout the play, and I can’t wait to see where her creativity takes her next!
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I had an honour to watch theatrical show Whispers directed by Katarzyna Diuk and played by expresive actress Patricia Zajac. Whispers tells us about dramatic life of one of the women who lived in second part of XIX century. Whispers is about loneliness, unrequited love and about life choices and consequences for mental health. Thank you.
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Bloody brilliant Pat! Blown away. Dark, very sad and a bit sexy tooou.
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Well bloody done! I found the whole thing stimulating and entertaining. I really liked the use of the voice overs, the props and the lighting. Not to mention actor’s heart wrenching performance!!
