MainStage Production, Winter 2020: The Sweet Science of Bruising

The Sweet Science of Bruising

By Joy Wilkinson

February 21-22 and 27*-29 at 8 pm
February 23 and March 1 at 2 pm
The Moore Theater

A Department of Theater MainStage Production
Tickets available at the HOP Box Office
*Thursday February 27 will be an open-captioned performance

In a world controlled by men, four Victorian women discover unexpected freedom in the underground subculture of women’s boxing - and struggle against the limitations of that freedom. Based on historical research into 19th century women’s boxing, Joy Wilkinson’s electrifying new play examines gender, class, violence, and the balance of power in a corseted world. An American premiere.

Read more about the production HERE!

PETER HACKETT director
MICHAEL GANIO scenic designer
LAURIE CHURBA costume designer
JENNIFER REISER '09 lighting designer
JANE SHAW sound designer
PAUL WEST fight choreographer
JENNIFER COLLINS HARD stage manager

"The Sweet Science of Bruising" contains material that some may find disturbing. For more information please contact the Department of Theater.

The Sweet Science of Bruising Special Events

Opening Night Reception
Friday, February 21
Immediately post-show @ the Top of The Hop

Please join us for a celebratory reception following the show. Cash bar available, courtesy of the Top of the Hop Lobby Bar. This event is generously supported by the Hopkins Center and the Adams Family Fund for Theater.

Pre-Show Discussion: Victorian Morality and Everyday Reality in 19th Century London
with Playwright Joy Wilkinson and Professor Carolyn Dever
Saturday, February 22
7:00 pm @ the Top of the Hop

Please join playwright Joy Wilkinson and Professor Carolyn Dever for an examination of gender expectations, class disparities, and violence in the parallel universe of Victorian London’s urban underbelly, as well as a discussion of the playwright’s research and creative processes. Joy Wilkinson is an award-winning writer whose work ranges across film, television, theater and radio; her play The Sweet Science of Bruising first opened in London in 2018 and is receiving its American premiere at Dartmouth. Carolyn Dever is a professor of English whose areas of expertise include gender studies and  19th-century British literature and culture. The discussion will be moderated by the production's director Peter Hackett, Professor of Theater and Avalon Foundation Chair of the Humanities. This event is sponsored in part by the Leslie Center for the Humanities.

Post-Show Discussion with the Cast

Friday, February 28
The Moore Theater

Join us in the theater immediately following the evening’s performance for an informal discussion with members of The Sweet Science of Bruising cast and creative team.