Synopsis

Mrs. Jarrett, along with Sally, Vi, and Lena, four women in their seventies, gather in Sally’s backyard over several summer afternoons. As they sit and chat, their conversations range from mundane neighborhood gossip to more profound reflections on their lives and the state of the world. Mrs. Jarrett intermittently delivers apocalyptic monologues that starkly contrast the seemingly ordinary interactions among the women. These monologues reveal a world plagued by disasters and societal collapse, creating a haunting juxtaposition with the tranquil setting of the backyard.

“Escaped Alone” by Caryl Churchill delves into themes of aging, isolation, fear, and apocalypse. The play explores how individuals cope with personal and collective anxieties, blending dark comedy with surreal and dystopian elements. Through the interactions of the four women, the narrative examines the complexities of friendship and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of existential threats.