El Firmament

When Halley's Comet reappears, what will they think of our fragile spirits?

A woman, accused of a brutal crime, is sentenced to death. But she claims to be pregnant and this could overturn her execution. To resolve this, a people’s jury − made up exclusively of women − is formed and will have to decide the fate of the accused by determining whether or not she is telling the truth.

As the crowd fiercely awaits the deliberations, the jurors slowly become aware of the power they have been granted. A dark, fierce and amusing play on democracy.

Lucy Kirkwood is a British playwright and screenwriter established as one of the most prominent voices on the contemporary scene and recognised for her ability to explore social, political and human issues with a mix of emotional depth and critical intelligence.

Lucy Kirkwood ¡ is a British playwright and screenwriter whose plays include: The Human Body (Donmar Warehouse, London, 2024); Rupture (promoted under the title That Is Not Who I Am, Royal Court Theatre, London, 2022); The Welkin (National Theatre, London, 2020); Mosquitoes (National Theatre, 2017); The Children (Royal Court Theatre, 2016); Chimerica (Almeida Theatre & West End, 2013; winner of the 2014 Olivier Award for Best New Play, the 2013 Evening Standard Best Play Award, the 2014 Critics’ Circle Best New Play Award, and the Susan Smith Blackburn Award); NSFW (Royal Court, 2012); small hours (co-written with Ed Hime; Hampstead Theatre, 2011); Beauty and the Beast (with Katie Mitchell; National Theatre, 2010); Bloody Wimmin, as part of Women, Power and Politics (Tricycle Theatre, 2010); it felt empty when the heart went at first but it is alright now (Clean Break & Arcola Theatre, 2009; winner of the 2012 John Whiting Award); Hedda (Gate Theatre, London, 2008); and Tinderbox (Bush Theatre, 2008). She won the inaugural Berwin Lee UK Playwrights Award in 2013.