Wild Swimming

New Cellars, Pembroke College

Marek Horn's Wild Swimming is a time-travelling two-hander following the relationship between Nell and Oscar, from 16th century England to the modern day. Each moment in time feels interestingly confused, distinguishable only through costume changes. Across four hundred years, Nell and Oscar meet on the same Dorset beach- Nell complains of the uncomfortable dresses and new laws that prevent women from swimming, Oscar is war-wounded and struggles to find purpose after University. No matter the time in which they come together, Nell and Oscar remain the same - two young people who frustrate each other out of love. We follow the constancy of this Dorset beach throughout these various epochs. We witness time expands and contracts in this beautiful and fast moving play that questions privilege, chronology, and the stage itself.