Galatea

In Galatea, two young trans people find love while 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. It is a queer tale of love, magic, and the importance of welcoming outsiders, inspired by John Lyly's 1580s play and performed in front of Queen Elizabeth I.

Format: Paperback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 05 May 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing (UK)

In the realm of Galatea, where passion and desire intertwine, the story unfolds of two young trans people, whose paths cross amidst the oppressive forces of society. Their love blooms, igniting a flame that defies the confines of convention. Meanwhile, a shipwrecked migrant, driven by the desperate search for his lost family, braves the treacherous waters, navigating the perils of the unknown. The goddesses, with their rivalries and power struggles, loom large over the mortal realm, their actions shaping the fates of those around them. The parents, torn between their desires and the expectations of society, struggle to find balance in their roles. An alchemist, driven by a quest for magic and knowledge, brews potions that hold the promise of transformation. And amidst the chaos, a teenage Cupid, with his mischievous arrows, sets hearts ablaze, causing mischief and near disaster. As time ticks away, the tension mounts, and the consequences of their actions threaten to unravel the very fabric of existence. Galatea is an audacious and unapologetically queer tale that explores love, magic, and the profound importance of embracing outsiders. Written in the 1580s by John Lyly, a lesser-known contemporary of William Shakespeare, this story has inspired Shakespeares renowned comedies, from As You Like It to A Midsummer Nights Dream. Performed before Queen Elizabeth I over four hundred years ago, Galatea remains a resonant and timeless tale for our modern times. Commissioned by Brighton Festival, this adaptation is brought to life by Emma Frankland and Subira Joy, with editing by Andy Kesson. The production 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, published in conjunction with the world premiere at Brighton Festival in May 2023, aims to bring Galatea to a wider audience, celebrating the power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350426702