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1960

Chicken Soup With Barley

Written by Arnold Wesker

Play Details

Context

Artistic Director 
George Devine

Dates Performed

Tuesday 7th June 1960
Main House (Downstairs)

Play Details

Synopsis

Chicken Soup with Barley,” by Arnold Wesker, is a riveting drama centered around Sarah Kahn, the indomitable matriarch of a Jewish family in London. Set against the tumultuous backdrop of the 1930s and 1950s, the play captures the family’s struggle amidst political upheaval and personal trials. Sarah’s unwavering communist beliefs clash with the shifting world and her own family’s evolving perspectives, creating a dynamic and emotionally charged atmosphere.

Themes of political fervor, family loyalty, and the erosion of ideals give the play its intensity. Sarah’s interactions with her stroke-afflicted husband Harry and her disillusioned son Ronnie are especially poignant, showcasing the family’s resilience and vulnerability. Wesker blends political drama with deep human emotion, creating a vivid and compelling narrative that captures the essence of struggle and change.

Director(s)

John Dexter

Cast & Creative

Cast

Richard Briers

Cast

Patsy Byrne

Cast

Chairmian Eyre

Cast

Frank Finlay

Cast

Alfred Lynch

Cast

Henry Manning

Cast

Richard Martin

Cast

Cherry Marris

Cast

Anthony Valentine

Cast

Jaqueline Wilson

Designer

Jocelyn Herbert