Hysteria

Terry Johnson's hilarious farce explores the meeting of two of the twentieth century's most brilliant and original minds: Salvador Dali and Sigmund Freud.

1938. Hampstead, London. Sigmund Freud has fled Nazi-occupied Austria and settled in leafy Swiss Cottage. At eighty-two- years-old, he aims to spend his final days in peace. However, when Salvador Dali turns up to discover a less-than-fully dressed woman in the closet, peace becomes somewhat elusive . . .

An acknowledged modern classic, Terry Johnson's hilarious farce explores the fall-out when two of the twentieth century's most brilliant and original minds collide. It touches on many themes including Nazi Germany, the Surrealist movement, Judaism, Freud's theories of the unconscious mind, family relationships, life and death, and love and loss.

Johnson's celebrated play raises intriguing questions about Freud's radical revision of his theories of hysteria.

About the Author

Terry Johnson's work as a playwright includes a version of Edward Ravenscroft's The London Cuckolds, Dead Funny, and Hysteria. He is the recipient of major British theatre awards including Playwright of the Year 1995; Critics' Circle Best New Play 1995; Writers' Guild Best West End Play 1995; Olivier Award Best Comedy 1994; the Meyer-Whitworth Award 1993; and the John Whiting Award 1991. He also won the 2010 Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical for his production of La Cage aux Folles. His play Piano/Forte premiered at the Royal Court Jerwood Theatre Downstairs in 2006.