by Alice de Sousa 
Performed at the Greenwich Playhouse May 2003

Galleon Theatre Company, with the support of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, staged its second production in 2003 - the World Première of Alice de Sousa's new play 'Inês de Castro'.

Set in Portugal and in the 14th century, de Sousa's play dramatises an extraordinary and true love story, which has for centuries gripped the imagination of artists throughout the world. 'Inês de Castro', is a heart rending, epic tale of love, death and revenge. 'Inês de Castro' is an unforgettable and inimitable Portuguese legend, which has transcended six hundreds years and been immortalized in every art form throughout the world.

Alice de Sousa, is a prolific London based theatre producer, actress and internationally acclaimed writer of stage scripts. The quality of her writing and the exceptional production values of these unique Galleon projects, have been extensively celebrated by the media in Britain and abroad and by successive sell out performances.

CREDITS

• Directed by Bruce Jamieson
• Written and Produced by Alice de Sousa

THE CAST

• Álvaro Pais - Jeremy Spriggs 
• Dona Beatriz - Laura Cannon 
• Dom Pedro - Sébastien Lawson 
• Afonso Madeira - Dudley Hinton 
• Inês de Castro - Sally Vanderpump 
• Fernando de Castro - Jackson Wright 
• Dona Constança - Clare Kissane 
• Dom Pero Coelho - Christopher Hale 
• Dom Álvaro Gonçalves - Tom Brent 
• Dom Diogo Lopes Pacheco - Peter Moor 
• Abbess - Clare Kissane

THE CREATIVE TEAM

• Deputy Stage Manager - Elizabeth Buckeridge 
• Scenery & Properties Designer - Liam Daniel Shea 
• Costumes Designer - Saskia Green 
• Lighting Designer - Robert Gooch 
• Publicity Designer - Alison Rayner 
• Stills Photographer - Paul L.T. Welch 
• Production Assistants: Rui Figueira, Cassie Laver, Kah-Yee Tan

 

REVIEWS

"Alice de Sousa's full-blooded version certainly raises questions about why Hollywood  producers haven't rushed towards this tragic, twisted story with tongues lolling and cheque books at the ready. As the Greenwich Playhouse's artistic director, de Sousa produces a highly diverse classic repertoire, crowned by successful pearls from the Portuguese literary canon" - Evening Standard

"This studio-sized venue has been put on the cultural map with productions of  epic quality by residents Galleon Theatre Company. And it's the word epic that naturally springs to mind with artistic director Alice de Sousa's searing drama of doomed romance, Inês de Castro." - South London Press

"The production values are high and director Bruce Jamieson makes inventive use of the studio theatre space. Galleon Theatre have produced a highly moving piece of theatre."- What’s On In London

"Through this impressive, elegantly written production, not only does Alice de Sousa provide marvellous insight into an important piece of Portuguese history, she also creates grand drama. Thoroughly recommended." - www. theatreworld.co.uk

"Jamieson's robustly confident production is undeniably slick and boosted by solid and enjoyable performances." - Evening Standard 

"Inês de Castro is the nearest new play to challenge the classical mould that I have seen in  ages. It is a really glorious night out. Director, Bruce Jamieson, has handled all the excitement and action with a gusto that must have given him a great deal of pleasure, especially as it was so extremely well received. A bouquet must be handed to him along with flowers for the entire cast. However, the champagne must be reserved for the author. Alice de Sousa has dealt herself a winning hand and she has played it skillfully. If you want a rattling good tale, told well, look no further than Greenwich. It makes a fabulous night out." - IndieLondon.co.uk

'Under artistic director Alice de Sousa, the Greenwich Playhouse is surely London's leading exponent of Portuguese culture'. - Time Out