Can't See For Looking

When Rosa, an impoverished Filipina domestic worker, finds herself enslaved in London, she is desperate to escape - her faith and love of Karaoke dancing can only sustain her so far.
After two futile attempts, with the help of fellow Filipina Angel, she finds freedom at last, only to be trapped once more within the UK immigration system. 

Written by Carolyn Lloyd-Davies with Franchezka Cunanan, ‘Can’t See For Looking’ opens on 18 October, Anti-Slavery Day, until 4 November.

This fast-moving and shocking drama is based on extensive interviews with five Filipina domestic workers rescued in London from modern slavery.

The play is inspired by these true stories and not only highlights the prevalence of hidden slavery in a village, town or city near you, but also how reluctant we are to report it, because of what it would cost us to confront our neighbours, employers or friends with such uncomfortable truths. 

Following their previous four-star critically acclaimed productions, director David Trevaskis reunites with Carolyn Lloyd Davies to stage her new play.

Produced by Ambrose Hogan and Stephanie Connell for Living the Drama  

4 star reviews from our Oxford Preview, September 2023:

Daily Info (Oxford Preview)
‘Ultimately, what’s commendable about the show is its depth and complexity without sacrificing narrative. It’s a pacily directed, well-acted and hugely compelling look at a painful topic, culminating in a powerful ending. Highly recommended.’

Audience feedback:
‘Enormously powerful and moving’

‘Hugely impressed by the whole production’. 

‘The cast was outstanding throughout’

‘Such a moving evening, brilliant acting and brilliant writing!’

‘A masterful play and brilliant production.’

Previous work:

4 star reviews of 'Penetration' 2021

'Conferences and public forums should be convened to discuss its ramifications. This is a script to raise whirlwinds.’ The Spectator, Lloyd Evans 

'Wow, I'm a bit speechless. That was a very, very brilliant production'. The Stagey Blog

'An important piece for our time'. London Theatre Review

‘A challenging and disturbing piece, smoothly staged by director David Trevaskis’  Reviews Gate, William Russell.

https://www.livingthedrama.co.uk/

Tickets: £20 / £15 conc.  (Plus £1 +3% booking fee)

Wednesday 18 to Saturday 21 October, Tuesday 24 to Saturday 28 October, Tuesday 31 October to Saturday 4 November 2023
7:30pm, plus matinees at 2:30pm on Saturdays 28 October and 4 November.