The Sussex Women Supper Club. Chapter Two: Lydia Lopokova

About

Ballerina, Bloomsbury Group member, the wife of economist Maynard Keynes, and brilliant letter-writer.

Join us for the second chapter of the Sussex Women Supper Club, an occasional series of events celebrating the lives of remarkable women and non-binary people who have lived and worked in Sussex.

When Russian ballet star, Lydia Lopokova, burst onto the London stage in 1921, she didn't know that the next 60 years of her extraordinary life would see her marry an eminent political economist, join the Bloomsbury Group, and settle into an eccentric rural widowhood before dying in obscurity, unremembered – until now.

Our speaker is writer Holly Dawson. As Reader-in-Residence at Charleston, Holly has devoted herself to unpicking Lydia's glorious archive of hilarious, tender, erotic and characterful letters to place her back on the stage where she belongs. In 2020, her script compiled from the letters was performed by Helena Bonham-Carter to bring her back to life as a dazzling and remarkable woman, whose story should not be forgotten.

Choose from supper and talk-only tickets. Refreshments and donations bar available to all guests. Please contact us if you have any dietary requirements or would prefer a vegan option.

6.30 - Doors open. Refreshments and donations bar available in Hillcrest Cafe.

7.00 - Supper is served to supper guests in the Hillcrest Art Room.

8.00 - Talk from Holly Dawson.

8.45 - Questions, answers and discussion.

9.30 - Close.

This is a fundraising event brought to you by Hospitable Environment CIC, a community arts and events company based in Newhaven. We believe in the power of food and creativity to build community. Proceeds will support our maker space at the Hillcrest Centre.

Please contact us if you have any access requirements or questions about attending the event.