On the third of December 2009, City Women’s Network members and guests went to the Almeida Theatre in Islington to see the sold out play ‘Mrs Klein’. Many thanks to the Almeida Theatre as we enjoyed the best seats in the house.

 

Melanie Klein is one of the most admired and, at the same time, most controversial psychoanalysts of her time. This fascinating all-woman play, directed by the renowned director Thea Sharrock, focuses on Melanie Klein’s relationship with her adult daughter and fellow psychoanalyst Melitta Schmiddeberg. The play starred the renowned actresses Claire Higgins, Nicola Walker and Zoë Waites.

 

Melanie Klein is celebrated for her insights into the secret world of childhood and yet she had a deeply disturbing relationship with her own daughter, whom she had analysed for several years as a teenager. The play takes place in London, Mrs Klein’s adopted home, in 1934. The backdrop for this fascinating drama is pre-war continental Europe.

 

Prior to the play, we enjoyed drinks and a chance to socialise in the Almeida’s charming bar and restaurant. In attendance was CWN’s own Kari Hadjivassiliou, who has worked at the Tavistock Institute in London, which is intrinsically related to Melanie Klein and her work. Kari provided some very interesting insights for us all. During the intermission we enjoyed a lively discussion about psychoanalysis and, of course, mother/daughter relationships.