Katharine

Exploring the fascinating life and legacy of Katharine of Aragon, the powerful new immersive audio experience KATHARINE will tour selected UK cathedrals this Autumn alongside a programme of free library pop-up experiences. Created by Slaget Theatre, in association with Whispered Tales, this multidisciplinary production combines binaural audio technology, contemporary dance and immersive storytelling to transform historic spaces into intimate encounters with one of history's most misunderstood queens.

Marking the 500th anniversary of the King's Great Matter, KATHARINE re-examines the story of Henry VIII’s first wife through her own perspective. At a time when questions of identity, migration, power and belonging continue to shape our society, the production invites audiences to reconsider a familiar Tudor narrative. Through cutting-edge audio technology and site-specific staging, the stunning and historic backdrop of cathedral spaces becomes the setting for a deeply moving and thought-provoking theatrical experience.

Performer Olena Hrabchak (Global Folk Project, Movema; Expressia Festival) drifts throughout the guided journey as an ethereal figure, moving between historical embodiment and contemporary presence, weaving through the unfolding narrative. Directed by Esther Simpson of Whispered Tales, (Protect The Beats, Eurovision 2023, Refuge Island and Our Crossing) and featuring choreography by Lisa Simpson (founder of Lisa Simpson Inclusive Dance, LSID), the production is reimagined for each venue, with the live performance carefully adapted to respond to the unique architecture, history and atmosphere of every space. Audiences experience the production through immersive binaural sound design on headphones, creating a deeply moving and thought-provoking theatrical experience for theatre goers and history buffs.