The true story of a queer artist who defied the Nazis regime during the Second World War.
A poignant new production bringing to life the extraordinary true story of trailblazing Jewish lesbian artist, Claude Cahun who defied the Nazi regime through acts of artistic resistance on the occupied island of Jersey during the Second World War. Written by D.R. Hill (Draining The Swamp, UK Tour; House Clearance, Dixon and Galt ) and created by DRH Arts in association with Exchange Theatre, Who is Claude Cahun? reclaims a vital chapter of queer and trans history.
Born Lucy Schwob into a French Jewish family, Cahun, along with lifelong partner Marcel Moore (born Suzanne Malherbe), escaped the confines of a male-dominated surrealist art scene in Paris and relocated to Jersey. When the Nazis occupied the Channel Islands in 1940, the couple launched a bold guerrilla campaign of subversive art to resist fascism – all while evading the Gestapo.
Lilit Lesser (Wolf Hall: The Mirror and The Light, BBC; We Were The Lucky Ones, Disney+/Hulu) stars as Claude Cahun, alongside Amelia Armande (Grace, ITV; The Following Events are Based on a Pack of Lies, BBC) as Marcel Moore. They are joined by Ben Bela Böhm, Sharon Drain, and Gethin Alderman.
This moving new production shines a light on a forgotten history of identity, courage, and rebellion – a timely and moving reminder of the radical power of self-expression. It gives voice to those silenced by history and celebrates the individuals who dared to live truthfully and resist fiercely.
Directed by David Furlong this evocative production will feature immersive projection mapping, moving images, surreal masks, and incredible physical theatre to reimagine Cahun’s surrealist world and underground resistance.
Listings
Who is Claude Cahun? Wednesday 18th June – Saturday 12th July 2025
Southwark Playhouse Borough (The Little), London, SE1 6BD
Tickets from £16 previews/ £24 standard
Captioned performance, Wednesday 2nd July