“Possibly the most powerful piece of political theatre you will see this year”
Back this spring, following a limited sell-out run in 2022.
The Washing Line explores the world of cults, through the story of Jim Jones and The People’s Temple; its ideals and aims and, ultimately, its horrific end.
“It looked like piles of washing hung out to dry. But they were bodies.“
Through Chickenshed’s unique approach to story telling, the difficult questions around what drives people to join alternative forms of community when they see no option within the mainstream are tackled. Movement, music, dance and multi-media go towards creating an all encompassing theatrical experience.
“We were looking for a better world. We found a nightmare.”
Reviews
“A flawless production with the need to be seen to be believed”
"As powerful as it is fascinating.”
“Hugely affecting.”
“Exceptional choreography, brilliant casts, hard edged drama and a breath-taking theatre experience."
"This is one of those rare shows at the end of which the audience is so shocked and moved that applause somehow seems trivial."
"unique, wildly original and extremely moving”
Trailer
Content Warnings
Content Warnings for The Washing Line:
This production includes:
• Themes of cults and mass tragedy, exploring manipulation, control, and loss of autonomy.
• References to mass death and suicide, inspired by real historical events at Jonestown.
• Graphic imagery and descriptions, including references to bodies and unsettling visuals.
• Historical events, with fictionalised depictions of real-life tragedies that some viewers may find distressing.
Recommended for ages 13+, as some content may not be suitable for younger audiences.
Seating
The Washing Line is being performed on a Traverse stage. This is where the audience is predominantly on two sides of the stage, facing towards each other, with the performers in the middle of the seating.
There are only three rows of tiered seats on each side of the stalls so you will have a clear view wherever you sit.
Gallery seats are upstairs on either side of the stage, so you will be looking down onto the performance space. Gallery seating will have a restricted view as some of the set will be partially obscured.
All seating is unreserved therefore you cannot select your seat in advance.
Accessibility
Welcome to our Accessible Performances at Chickenshed. We are committed to ensuring that everyone can enjoy our shows to the fullest.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out and email our access team here.
Captioned Performances
Audio Described Performances
Signed Performances
Audio Described Performances
Join us for audio described shows on:
Sat 29 Mar at 7pm
Sat 5 Apr at 3pm
Captioned Performances
Catch captioned shows on:
Thu 27 Mar at 7pm
Thu 3 Apr at 7pm
Signed Performances
Our British Sign Language interpreted shows are on:
Fri 28 Mar at 7pm
Fri 4 Apr at 7pm
Touch Tours
Touch tours can be offered before all Audio Described performances.
Keep in touch
Stay connected with us on social media! Give us a thumbs up on Facebook and tag us in your stories on Insta using #CSWashingLine. Get ready for a sneak peek at all the show updates and snapshots of rehearsals!.