The Ballad of Maria Marten by Beth Flintoff

Australian premiere

“The battle between good and evil is full of grey areas… but I think he’s firmly on the devil’s side.”

The notorious ‘Red Barn Murder’ of 1827 has entered the annals of British folklore, the subject of prurient gossip and grim speculation.

A young woman, Maria Marten, goes to a barn in Suffolk to meet her lover, with a view to eloping. A year later, her body is found, hidden under the floor.

What was the truth behind her murder? Why was she killed, and who was responsible?

Rather than a literal retelling of this historic ‘true crime’, the play is a thrilling feminist reappraisal that focuses on Maria’s life, and celebrates the solidarity of female friendship through a joyous mix of story-telling, dance and laughter.

Her fate is explored through the eyes of Maria and the women who loved her, shedding light on a complex story of love, loss, prejudice and patriarchal power.

“Flintoff restores dignity to Maria… Unexpectedly joyous” The Guardian