Camille O’Sullivan – The Rape of Lucrece

By William Shakespeare

Adapted by Elizabeth Freestone, Feargal Murray and Camille O’Sullivan

Original music written and performed by Camille O’Sullivan and Feargal Murray

Shakespeare‘s tragic poem The Rape of Lucrece, a tale of lust, rape and politics, is both beautiful and violent. From political chronicle to sexual thriller, the poem’s exquisite tragedy is fully revealed in a hypnotic evening of song and storytelling. 

In this compelling and provocative performance by the internationally acclaimed singer Camille O’Sullivan, with original music played live by Feargal Murray, Camille inhabits the souls of both Tarquin and Lucrece, narrating the fate of each. 

The original production of The Rape of Lucrece was produced by the RSC and premiered at The Edinburgh International Festival. Camille won a prestigious Herald Angel award for her performance. This is the first time the music has been performed as an intimate concert. 

‘Mesmerising, visceral and glorious, this is the performance of an exquisite storyteller at the top of her game.’ ***** – The Scotsman.

‘Camille O’Sullivan’s superb version is a boldly daring act of invention, the creation of a wholly new piece of Shakespearean theatre.’ – Fintan O’Toole, Irish Times. 

‘O’Sullivan’s performance is brilliant and touching. She is a major star and this poetic and musical sequence is an ideal vehicle for her talent.’ – The Independent 

‘…when it comes to possessing genuine superstar quality, the incomparable Camille O’Sullivan is unquestionably the real deal.’  **** The Arts Review 

‘its two mighty strengths are the magnificent O’Sullivan herself, and the way she embodies both violator and violated. Less like a performance, more like an inhabitation or haunting, the harsh tones of Tarquin and the ravishing voice of Lucrece emerge from the same mouth.’ **** The Guardian. 

  (Reviews of the original production).