Memoirs of a Hermaphrodite

"A view into the dark and seedy world of 19th century Paris" is promised with a new production at the Unity this month - Memoirs of a Hermaphrodite, described as ‘a passionate mix of Orlando, Chatterton and Hedder Gabbler’, is a poignant story of an individual born between two genders. Inspired by the true story of Herculine Barbin, actress Sarah Leaver (nominated for best Solo Performer at The Brighton Fringe Festival 2010) brings a remarkable story of joy, shame, humor, loneliness and struggle.

Raised as female in the bittersweet safety of a nunnery, the young Herculine's true identity as a hermaphrodite is discovered when she falls in love with a girl. Forced to move to the city, she is pushed to the fringes of society and the dark, seedy underworlds and freak shows of 19th century Paris. Herculine's poignant and enchanting story is performed with humour, passion and pathos by Leaver, weaving her own poetic writing with a dynamic physical performance and Jason Pegg's new musical score .

“I am a fable. I am a freak. I am a word used in jest or in books. I exist twice and yet not at all.” Catch Memoirs of a Hermaphrodite at Unity on March 15 and 16.