A Third
by Laura Jacqmin
by Laura Jacqmin
A Third is a provocative comedy that explores the complexities of modern relationships and sexuality as a young couple navigates the boundaries of monogamy by inviting a third person into their lives.
About The Play
About The Play
The world premiere of A Third by award-winning Chicago playwright Laura Jacqmin runs at the Finborough Theatre for twelve performances, on Sunday and Monday evenings and Tuesday matinees.
Young marrieds Paul and Allison have everything going for them. They have money, they’re in love, and their sex life is great. But could it be better? Instead of being monogamous, why not try “monogam-ish”? What would happen if they invited “a third” into their bedroom and into their lives?
Allison and Paul convince themselves that they are being just about as liberal and adventurous as modern society seems to want. But as they transition from threesomes to couple-swapping, they discover the fragility of their own liberal attitudes. Just how flexible can one person’s sexuality truly be? And how far can “monogam-ish” go before it’s simply cheating? Can a couple go back to simply being a couple?
A funny, provocative and unflinching look at modern attitudes to sex, relationships and polyamorous love.
POST SHOW DISCUSSIONS
Sunday, 12 July
An in-depth transatlantic conversation: with director Josh Roche and the cast in person, and playwright Laura Jacqmin joining in via Skype. Josh, Laura and the actors will discuss the inspiration behind the play, the process of realising it, their own feelings towards the characters and story, and the challenges presented by staging intimate scenarios on stage; as well as answering audience questions.
Monday, 13 July
A panel discussion with director Josh Roche and an expert in sex and relationships psychology to explore some of the questions around monogamy and open relationships that the play deals with.
Dr. Meg John Barker is a writer, academic, counsellor and activist specialising in sex and relationships. Meg John is a senior lecturer in psychology at the Open University and a UKCP accredited therapist, and has over a decade of experience researching and publishing on these topics including the popular book Rewriting the Rules. Website: http://www.rewriting-the-rules.com. Twitter: @megjohnbarker.