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"Portrait of Dora", by Hélène Cixous

"An appealing and intelligent eighteen-year-old girl to whom Dr. Sigmund Freud gives the pseudonym 'Dora' is the subject of a case history that has all the intrigue and unexpected twists of a first-rate detective novel." - Philip Rieff, 'Dora: An Analysis of a Case of Hysteria' 1963

Presented by The Ithaka Theatre Company, In association with the University of Derby;

July 16th, 17th and 18th, 2005, Buxton Fringe Festival - Pauper's Pit


Kathryn H. as Mrs K and Jenny B as 'young' Dora

It's the autumn of 1899 in Vienna, and eighteen-year-old Ida Bauer has serious mental problems; self harm, contemplation of suicide, nervous habits and dark thoughts. Her father sends her to see his psychologist. The man he has entrusted with his daughter's 'disease' is none other than Dr. Sigmund Freud, the recent inventor of a new form of talking cure. Using Freud's pseudonym; 'Dora', this incomplete case history of 'hysteria' demonstrates some of Freud's breathtaking insights and yet exposes his masculine ignorance. Playwright Hélène Cixous creates the opportunity for actors to tell Dora's story in her way; through her dreams, and in her shadows.

Graham M as Freud and Sarah W as Dora

"These events declare themselves like shadows, in dreams. They often become so clear that we feel we can reach out and grasp them, but in spite of this, they elude any final clarification and if we proceed without skill or particular caution we find ourselves unable to determine whether or not such a scene ever really took place."


Lucy C as Mr. K, Cythia E. as Mr. B

"The father, Mr B, was a man of means, mild mannered, an affectionate father and a patient husband" (Cixous)

Read 'Cynthia's Page'


Catherine M as Dora

"There will have to be a killing, it's a law."


The Ithaka Theatre Company, Production Team;

Athina, Rachael, Sarah W, Claire, Charli and Lydia


Athina - Music and Choreography


Charli - Marketing and Fundraising


Sarah W - Lighting Design


"That man, who was behind the door.."


"Goodbye"


Read 'The Director's Diary'

SEE THE SHOW POSTER

Click HERE to visit The Derby Playhouse Website

Graham's Page

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All content and photos copyright of Ithaka Theatre Company 2004/2005/2006