Shirley Valentine

In englischer Sprache

From December, the Salzburg State Theatre is expanding its offer with the International Theatre Salzburg and a new series of English-­language productions. It kicks off with Willy Russell’s award winning play, “Shirley Valentine”, a comedy full of timeless emotional truths that has already been a huge success in London and New York.

Shirley was a vibrant, confident woman living in a happy relationship but she has found herself in a disillusioned rut and her childhood dreams have gone unfulfilled. The bright, spirited Shirley of yesteryear is long gone. When her friend Jane wins a trip for two to Greece, Shirley uncharacteristically puts herself first, and accepts Jane’s invitation. Two weeks of freedom in the southern sun and a change of perspective on her life, home and family, are enough to make her a woman full of joie de vivre again and almost unrecognisable to her husband.

“Shirley Valentine” is a story of possibility, courage and hope and she tells it with such warmth, honesty and humour, that you can’t help but be carried away by her heart and power.

The tour de force is played by South African actress Janna Ramos-Violante, who is also the driving force behind this new initiative, and directed by Fiona Ramsay. The actress, whose dream is to build theatre relationships across continents, has won several awards and gained much recognition for her work in the arts. In Salzburg, she has appeared in the productions of “Cyrano de Bergerac” and “Familienabend” at the Salzburg State Theatre.