Bush Theatre
Olivier award nominee Anoushka Lucas’ acclaimed debut play transfers to the Bush Theatre’s main house in a brand new production. Part gig, part musical love story, part journey through Empire, this all-new expanded production of Anoushka Lucas’ “exquisite” (Evening Standard) Elephant runs for just three weeks following its celebrated, sold-out run in the Bush’s Studio last year.
The men with the Piano look up the narrow staircase of our little flat and they turn to Dad, light their fags, and say; “We might have to take the windows out”.’ A piano came through the sky and landed in Lylah’s council flat, just for her. As she pours over the keys and sound floods into all the rooms, Lylah falls in love. At school, Lylah can’t ask questions – she’s got to be good, good, good or else she’ll lose her scholarship.
At home she can’t ask questions; her cousins say she talks weirdly, and her parents are distracted. So she asks her piano: Where did you come from? Why are you here? And their shared history tumbles into the light.
This expanded production reunites writer and performer Anoushka Lucas with original director Jess Edwards (Hotter/Fitter, Soho Theatre). Elephant first appeared as part of the Bush’s Protest series, a response to the murder of George Floyd.
