Stella and the hardened war veteran Stanley live on the edge of civilisation. Both struggle to maintain a sense of normality in a world full of violence and melancholy.

Neighbouring couple Eunice and Steve have long since given up the charade, and life is now reduced to a boxing match where violence and the longing for intimacy are locked in an everlasting battle.

One day, Stella’s sister Blanche turns up unexpectedly. Blanche has melancholy secrets, but portrays herself as a sensitive diva and provokes Stanley to the point where he feels the need to clench his fists and beat the brutal realities of life into his sister-in-law.

“You had better look out or the apes will take over!” is reportedly what American playwright Tennessee Williams said about his groundbreaking 1947 production. This modern classic traces life at the very edge of a society that creates more losers than winners. From these conditions grow devastating madness and violence.  

The production is director Egill Pálsson’s debut at the Main Stage at the Royal Danish Playhouse. The roles of Blanche and Stella are played by Danica Curcic and Signe Egholm Olsen respectively, while Peter Plaugborg takes on the role of Stanley. Egill Pálsson has previously directed Galskab (2005), Bogtyven (2009), and Slotskarréen (2011) at the Royal Danish Theatre.