Memoirs of A Hermaphrodite

Memoirs of A Hermaphrodite

Written and performed by Sarah Leaver
Directed by Denise Evans
Music composed by Jason Pegg
Lighting Design Martin Chick
With thanks to Tanushka Marah and Claire Raftery

For centuries the concept of the hermaphrodite has been shrouded in mystery, and feelings towards them have ranged from prophet to freak. Inspired by the true story of Herculin Barbin, Sarah Leaver brings us a remarkable story of the struggle of an individual born between genders.

Herculine's poignant and enchanting story is performed with humour, passion, and pathos by Sarah Leaver, weaving her own evocative, poetic writing with a dynamic physical performance and Jason Pegg's new musical score.

Raised as female in the bittersweet safety of a nunnery, the young Herculine's true identity as a hermaphrodite is discovered when she falls in love with a girl. Forced to move to the city, she is pushed to the fringes of society and the dark, seedy underworlds and freak shows of the 19th Century Paris.

To watch the show reel click here

“Genuinely thrilling ... a passionate mix of Orlando, Chatterton and Hedder Gabbler ... “
G-Scene, March 2010

“Imaginative and impressive ... an emotionally affecting exploration of a condition that, even today, remains shrouded in mystery.”
The Stage, March 2010

“Wonderfully written, a beautiful mesh of poetry and wit ...”
“Leaver’s performance ... is sensational.”
“One of the best pieces of theatre I have seen. Please go and see it.”

Extra Extra, March 2010

“A captivating performance; full of atmosphere, vivid and fast moving all laced together with particularly beautiful writing. There truly was a “wow” element at the end of the show, when the applause went on and on”
Total Theatre, 2009

“... Impressive ... the performance is superbly executed by Leaver ... fiercely powerful ...” 
South London Press

Nominated Best Solo Performance, Brighton Fringe Festival, May 2010

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supported by the Oval House Theatre

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