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1992

Six Degrees of Separation

Written by John Guare

Play Details

Context

Artistic Director 
Stephen Daldry

Dates Performed

Thursday 11th June 1992
Jerwood Theatre Downstairs

Play Details

Synopsis

New York City, early 1990s

Ouisa and Flan Kittredge, a wealthy middle-aged couple, find their lives turned upside down when a young, charismatic black man named Paul enters their home. Claiming to be a Harvard student and the son of famous actor Sidney Poitier, Paul initially gains their trust with his charm and detailed knowledge about their children. However, the Kittredges’ hospitality takes a dark turn when they discover Paul in bed with a male hustler. Outraged, they throw him out, only to learn that he has similarly deceived other affluent New Yorkers.

Six Degrees of Separation is a gripping exploration of trust, deception, and the interconnectedness of humanity. Inspired by a true story, the play unravels as the Kittredges and their friends try to piece together how they were all manipulated by Paul. The narrative delves into themes of class disparity, racial tension, and the quest for meaningful human connection.

Director(s)

Phyllida Lloyd

Poster credit

Poster courtesy of V&A Theatre and Performance Archive

Cast & Creative

Cast

Mark Bowden

Cast

Caroline Caz

Cast

Stockard Channing

Cast

Ian Dunn

Cast

John Grillo

Cast

John Hugill

Cast

Adrian Lester

Cast

Andrew Muir

Cast

Deborah Norton

Cast

John Padden

Cast

Paul Shelley

Cast

Barry Stanton

Cast

Zara Turner

Cast

Paul Waldhorn

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