THE LOVE GIRL & THE INNOCENT

Southwark Playhouse, October 2013

The first London production in over 30 years, this brand new version of The Love Girl & the Innocent is a gripping love story set against the struggles of sex, power and survival.

Russia. 1945. Nemov is serving a 10 year sentence. Conscripted as chief of his work group, Nemov is confronted with the prison system’s hypocrisy and his loyalties are pushed to the limits. How long can he stand up to the brutality and injustice of the camp and a regime that thrives on power, corruption, and sexual amorality?

When Nemov meets Lyuba, one of the women prisoners – a “love girl”, he is tempted further, and forced to betray his own moral integrity.

Matthew Dunster’s stark, searing revival… brings it to life with a teeming, horrible immediacy’ ★★★★
The Independent

‘Dunster’s Love Girl burns like a spark in darkness. Catch it before it goes out.’ ★★★★
The Arts Desk

‘Matthew Dunster is to be congratulated for conceiving a wonderful evening’s theatre and then delivering a production that defies all expectation.’ 
British Theatre Guide

‘Grasps and holds the attention throughout its 2½-hour duration.’ 
British Theatre Guide

‘Fierce commitment of the ensemble’ 
Evening Standard

Creative Team

Adapted from the English translation by Nicholas Bethell
Director Matthew Dunster
Designer Anna Fleischle
Lighting Joshua Carr
Sound George Dennis
Costume Tash Prynne
Casting Annie Rowe