The maids: a twisted tale of power and privilege reopens at st. ann's warehouse

Eight decades after Jean Genet penned his provocative play, The Maids, the story of two sisters who fantasize about murdering their wealthy mistress continues to captivate audiences. Now, a modernized adaptation by writer-director Kip Williams is set to reopen at St. Ann's Warehouse in Brooklyn, following a limited London run at the Donmar Warehouse.

A heiress-turned-influencer takes center stage

In Williams' version, the mistress, Madame, is recast as an heiress-turned-influencer, a caricature of undeserved privilege. Claire and Solange, the two sisters, are at once engaged as housekeepers, personal assistants, and Madame's only meaningful connections to the world.

The play's themes of materialism, youth, and beauty resonate with new urgency in the age of social media. Williams' staging is rife with knowing references to follower counts, designer labels, magazine covers, and the promise of securing celebrity status.

For lead actress Yerin Ha, who previously worked with Williams on a production of Lord of the Flies, the play's themes have taken on new depth since her breakout role in Netflix's Bridgerton series.