Moth Play

Beyond Face, The House (2023)

A darkly comedic exploration of structural discrimination through the unlikely metaphor of moths.

Stuck in a forgotten light trap, one moth can do nothing but wait for the inevitable. Having grudgingly accepted their fate, the arrival of a second moth – who, upon learning of this impending doom, is intent on escape – irritates them intensely. Can they be convinced to get out? Is escape even possible?

Moth Play was performed in full at Beyond Face: Open House at The House, Plymouth, in July 2023.

WRITER - Kayleigh Mai Hinsley
DIRECTOR - Alix Harris
MOTH A - Corinne Walker
MOTH B - Emile Clarke
C (A CENTIPEDE) - Kerry Ann Waison
PHOTOGRAPHER - Dom Moore

Corinne, a black woman wearing a yellow jumper, is sitting cross-legged on the floor of the stage. She is smiling and looking up, as if towards the sky.

Emile as Moth B is wearing a yellow jumper and standing a short distance away from Corinne (Moth A), who is sitting cross-legged on the floor of the stage.

Emile as Moth B is looking at something on the ground. He looks upset and horrified.

Emile as Moth B is standing with his arms (wings) outstretched in a T shape, looking towards Corinne (Moth A) who is sitting on the floor.

Emile as Moth B is throwing himself at the beam of light made by a spotlight. He has an expression of effort on his face.

Emile (Moth B) and Corinne (Moth A) are both throwing themselves at the beam of light made by the spotlight.

Corinne (Moth A) is sitting cross-legged on the floor with her arms folded across her lap. Emile is kneeling next to her, also with his arms folded in his lap, looking up as if towards the sky. They both look happy and peaceful.

Kerry-Ann, playing a centipede, is standing with her arm raised, as if she is about to lunge towards Emile (Moth B) who is leaning slightly backwards as if afraid of her.

Emile (Moth B) is lying on the floor as if he has fallen. Kerry-Ann (C, a centipede) is leaning over him with her arm raised, as if she may strike.

Kerry-Ann and Emile are both kneeling on the floor a short distance apart looking exhausted and out of breath. Kerry-Ann is leaning slightly backwards, and Emile slightly forwards.

Emile and Kerry-Ann are standing side by side on stage. Emile is looking to the left with a puzzled expression. Kerry-Ann has her left arm raised and looks as if she is speaking with conviction.

Photos by Dom Moore