Performance: Bromelia Bohemia

This is a historical play about a young woman in the late19th century who is one of the first female doctors. Coming from a liberal family she is exposed to a lot of early civil rights movements which influences her direction. Drawn to helping others with her talent and expertise, she also appreciates discovering the world of art, and how that may allow one to step outside of conventional christian values. Her world opens up, before everything seems to crash down…

Let yourself be swept into this drama from a distant yet not unfamiliar time. An immersive story your imagination will get carried away into, and if you feel like drawing, it can be like listening to a podcast whilst you focus on the tableau of each scene. Being in the Crypt Gallery feels apt because it is a space which existed at the time of the action, and very close by to it in Bloomsbury.

Written, created and performed by Esther Bunting, this is a one woman show, about 50 minutes long. If artists and audience would like, it’s possible to extend the session with some poses just for drawing and asking quesions. The play is partly in costume and partly nude, and it contains a sensitive theme – abortion – yet this is handled with a relatively light, gentle touch. Nothing too graphic, explicit, or traumatic.

Based on extensive research into the period, and partly inspired by some of Esther’s ancestors, the first version of this play was called ‘Bush Tales’ (link contains nudity)and was performed in 2021 at an ECO Feminist festival at Mile End Art Pavilion by Art From Heart. This year’s version is a re-imagining of some of that text and with new parts added.

Please bring your own drawing materials and refreshments. Otherwise there will be pencils and charcoal available. NB It’s a good idea to bring an extra layer to wear for being in the Crypt as it is cooler than outdoors!

The venue is not wheelchair accessible unfortunately, being down one flight of steps.

If you prefer to pay with cash or by card on the door, that’s fine too.

Esther has been creating performance art theatre since 2009, which has been drawing optional since 2011. She loves to write scripts and is also inspired to create performance which has a strong physical element. She performs solo, with other actors, and sometimes with musicians. Her work has mostly been staged in London, and has also travelled to Edinburgh, Norwich and Venice.

For more of Esther’s work please see her Vimeo channel , follow her on Instagram @estherbunting and see her website www.estherbunting.com