Galatea

A dynamic and genre-defying adaptation of the original Galatea by Early Modern writer John Lyly, adapted with a look at the famous characters through a Black and trans lens by Emma Frankland and Subira Joy, edited by Andy Kesson

Was anyone undone by fire, or turned to ashes through desire? Two young trans people find love whilst escaping oppression; a shipwrecked migrant searches for his family; goddesses clash; parents fret; an alchemist brews magic and a teenage Cupid sets hearts on fire — causing chaos and near disaster. And all the while, time is running out! Galatea is an unapologetically queer tale of love, magic, and the importance of welcoming outsiders. Galatea was originally written in the 1580s by John Lyly, William Shakespeare’s best-selling but now long-forgotten contemporary, inspiring Shakespeare’s comedies from As You Like It to A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Performed in front of Queen Elizabeth I over four hundred years ago, this tale of love, joy and the importance of welcoming outsiders is an incredibly resonant story for modern times. Galatea was originally commissioned by Brighton Festival, and adapted by Emma Frankland and Subira Joy, and edited by Andy Kesson. This text features set and costume design sketches by Mydd Pharo, BSL translation support from Duffy, and notes from each contributor on the creation of the piece. This edition was published to coincide with the world premiere at Brighton Festival, in May 2023.