Genius - in conversation with Sandra Thibodeaux and Laurel McKenzie

JUTE Theatre Company presents a special In Conversation event with visual artist Laurel Mackenzie (currently exhibiting at NorthSite) and Sandra Thibodeaux, the playwright of Genius. Entry to this event is free but please book a ticket via this booking site.

The evening begins at 4.00pm with a short talk by Laurel at her exhibition in the foyer, followed by a panel conversation in the theatre, set against the backdrop of Genius. Together, Laurel and Sandra, along with facilitator Amber Grossman, will share their inspirations and creative processes, exploring overlapping themes of women’s voices, power, and place in the arts.

Following the talk, attendees are invited to join Laurel and Sandra and event attendees for a further conversation and casual dinner at La Pizza (5.30–7.00pm) before the evening performance of Genius at 7.30pm (tickets sold separately on Humanitix). Dinner is optional and at your own expense. Tick the RSVP box during the booking process if you’d like us to book you a seat with the group.

Background on Genius

Artemisia Gentileschi (1593-c.1653) was a prolific Italian painter, celebrated for her vivid and often dramatic depictions of powerful, mostly Biblical figures. At a time when artists were often steered towards still life, she brought to life dynamic scenes of courage, justice, and, at times, spectacular revenge. In recent years, her work has gained renewed recognition for its bold storytelling and masterful technique.

Genius draws inspiration from Artemisia’s life and art to explore the underrepresented stories of women in Western art history. The play reflects on the challenges artists faced more than four centuries ago and considers how some of those hurdles still echo in the creative industries today.

Background on Laurel McKenzie's exhibition Enfolded

Visual artist Laurel Mackenzie engages with feminist themes in her practice, re-examining how women are portrayed in both historical fine art and contemporary popular media. Her installation Enfolded consists of eighteen painted panels referencing fragments of classical and neo-classical marble sculptures. These fragments, with their partly concealed and revealed bodies, draw attention to the ways ideals of sensuality, modesty, and virtue have been inscribed onto women throughout Western art history. By presenting these sculptural details against bold red backgrounds, Laurel evokes the salons of earlier gallery eras, while both celebrating the artistry of the original makers and questioning the enduring stereotypes and cultural meanings attached to representations of women’s bodies.