Tess at HOME
Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor
Following a hugely successful tour in 2024, Tess by Ockham’s Razor returns to Manchester this June – landing at HOME for just three performances. Fusing breathtaking aerial choreography with physical theatre and storytelling, this daring adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the D’Urbervilles transforms the tragic 19th-century novel into a visceral, visually stunning spectacle.
Ockham’s Razor are no strangers to innovation. The acclaimed circus-theatre company has built a reputation for telling stories through captivating choreography and visually-arresting circus – often exploring themes of connection, resilience, and the human experience. In Tess, their signature style continues – ropes, wooden planks and suspended rigging provide the setting for Hardy’s English countryside, while the performers twist, pivot and glide through the air, conjuring a narrative of joy, tension and heartbreak.
What sets this version apart is Ockham’s Razor’s bold departure from traditional stagings of Hardy’s novel. In this production, the character of Tess is portrayed by two performers – one who narrates and speaks, and one who dances. This dual representation gives the character a unique emotional depth, with voice and body working in tandem to express what Hardy often left unsaid. The result is a haunting, layered interpretation that deepens the emotional impact and shines a light on Tess’s unspoken resilience and struggle.
Ockham’s Razor have long stood at the intersection of circus and theatre, drawing comparisons to companies like DV8 and Complicité for their hybrid approach and political undercurrent. In Tess, their craft feels more urgent than ever – offering a feminist translation of a classic text through poetic and fearless movement.
Whether you’re a Hardy purist, a circus aficionado, or just curious about the possibilities of performance, Tess promises a provocative and visually unforgettable night at the theatre.
