Virginia Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway receives new theatrical adaptation

Virginia Woolf’s classic novel, Mrs Dalloway, is being explored through both literary analysis and a new theatrical adaptation. The novel follows Clarissa Dalloway, a 1920s society hostess, as she navigates internal crises regarding her identity, youth, and social expectations while organizing a party.

A parallel narrative in the book features Septimus Warren-Smith, a combat veteran suffering from what was then termed “shell-shock” (now recognized as PTSD) following his experiences in World War I. His struggle with guilt and mental health serves as a central, albeit incidental, element of the plot.

A new stage production, written and directed by Jen Heyes, offers a contemporary and immersive take on the story. Starring Kit Green, who portrays multiple characters, the play breaks the fourth wall to connect Woolf’s themes to modern issues such as mental health, technological change, and socioeconomic uncertainty. The production utilizes a kaleidoscopic style, incorporating music, comedy, and audience participation to balance the darker elements of the original text.