Sophie by Emily Curtis
‘Sophie’ is a one-woman play telling the story of Emily and her sister Sophie who has Down Syndrome.
The story begins at Sophie’s 30th birthday party and then takes the audience back to Sophie’s birth and the sisters upbringing in Hull. The sisters were inseparable during childhood but cracks appeared in their teenage years. As peer opinion became more and more important, Emily struggled to cope with the attitudes and behaviour of others towards Sophie.
‘Sophie‘ explores themes surrounding disability, including societal attitudes to Down Syndrome and the impact on individuals and their families. ‘Sophie’ also tackles family relationships, class and womanhood.
The play uses digital installations, music, dance, movement and monologue to tell this unique, heart warming and honest story of two sisters and their unbreakable bond.
Images from R&D of SOPHIE at The Edge Arts Centre, 2019, supported by Arts Council England
Photographer- Sophie Giddens
Autumn Tour of Sophie, 2021, supported by Arts Council England
Photography by Lidia Crisafulli
In Autumn 2021, we had a successful tour of Sophie. We opened the production at The Hope Theatre, London. We then visited The Dukes Theatre in Lancaster, Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield, and ended the tour at Waterside Arts Centre, Sale. During our run we connected with many families that could relate to the story and the themes of the play as they have a family member either with Down Syndrome or a learning disability. We had Q&A's after each performance where our audiences could share their thoughts, questions and their personal experiences.
"Sophie is an amazing piece of inclusive theatre. This show is a must see! Funny, thoughtful, retrospective and real. Thank you for promoting visibility, shared experience and love”- Audience feedback
"It needs to be brought into other venues across the UK so that other people can share in this experience."- Disability Arts Online
“A gorgeous story with a big heart and full of 90’s nostalgia”- Ellie Hurt, Theatre Director
"It needs to be brought into other venues across the UK so that other people can share in this experience."- Disability Arts Online
“A gorgeous story with a big heart and full of 90’s nostalgia”- Ellie Hurt, Theatre Director