America. The great wide open.

Two families torn apart by more than one brutal marriage. Out of this bleak landscape emerges a human spirit that burns bright in its fight for salvation.

At heart a love story, this funny and gritty play explores the ambivalence of family relationships, of love lost and found, against the backdrop of a macho American West. With a Coen Brothers off-beat humour, dark and mystical A Lie of the Mind was written by Sam Shepard at the height of his powers.

In 2017, with a post-truth President in the White House, this play which charts the carnage that ensues from self-deception is as relevant as when first performed in 1985.

The Team

Director- James Hillier
Designer- Rebecca Brower
Lights- Jai Morjaria
Sound- Max Pappenheim
Stage Manager- Aime Neime
Production Manager- Ian Moore
Producer- Trish Wadley
Associate Producer- Skyler Ross

Cast- Gethin Anthony, Nancy Crane, Alexandra Dowling, Kate Fahy, Michael Fox, Rob Lonsdale, Laura Rogers, John Stahl

 ★★★★★
Sam Shepard shows his richness as a dramatist.

The Times

★★★★
James Hillier’s revival is haunting and unsettling; a search for love and purpose played out against a haze of love and regret.

 Time Out 

★★★★
Exceptional onstage performers who have been provided with a clear artistic vision.

 London Theatre1

★★★★
Passionate and believable.

 Theatre Weekly

★★★★
Defibrillator have a splendid cast that serve the play with grit and focus. 

Theatre Bubble