We sat down for a quick chat with Charlotte Ritter, writer/ lead actor of Sunk Into Earth, a love story set against the violent backdrop of an unspeakable act of sisterly devotion. Ticket Link: https://www.etceteratheatrecamden.com/events/sunk-into-earth-g4p4a
Sunk Into the Earth opens with such a striking premise. Where did the seed of the idea come from, and what made you want to explore it on stage?
Years back I listened to an incredibly good and thoroughly researched podcast on femicide and was super shocked. Learning that every third day a woman is killed in this country for the sole reason of being a woman was devastating. This is happening all the time and everywhere, and it follows a pattern of abuse and often ends with the woman trying to get out and being killed for it. Since then, I wanted to tell a story that ends differently, that ends with the woman actually getting out. And then somehow found this story, that doesn’t end with getting out, but begins with it.
The play looks at domestic violence, sisterly devotion, queer love, and female friendship – all layered into one night. How did you balance these heavy themes?
By keeping it going, jumping from one scene and emotion into the next, from silliness straight into devastation, from grief back into joy. One of my favourite German directors Michael Herbig has really perfected the art of making his audience cry and then laugh in the next moment and vice versa. I aspired to do the same, because it makes the darkness more bearable and keeps the lightness grounded. And it’s also very much like real life, there’s very few moments when one emotion is drowning out all the others completely, most of the time it’s a “yes, and”.
You’re not only the writer but also the lead actor. How does wearing both hats shape the way you approach the story each night?
It really helps that I never intended to play Salome. I actually wrote another character for myself and therefore have to work a lot harder to do right by her, which leaves a lot less room for overthinking things. It also really helped that our Assistant Director took both my hands one day during rehearsal when I was spiralling and told me very sternly and lovingly to cut it out, that if I don’t like a word or a sentence, I will do what I would always do playing in somebody else’s play, which is suck it up and make it work. So, I (mostly) managed to keep the writer’s hat off until after our Camden Fringe run before starting on adjustments now based on the wonderful feedback we got.
Have you had moments in rehearsal or early performances where you’ve seen the audience react in a way that surprised you?
Absolutely! I’m still sulking that the line “well, it’s how they say, I’ve got 99 problems and your sister is a bitch” didn’t get resounding laughter every night, I thought that was hilarious! No, but in all
earnestness, I think getting an audience in and seeing how they respond is always a surprise. Especially since every audience is different. And I love it so much. When we get different laughs or gasps every night, when the absence of expected laughter suddenly lends a scene more weight. It’s always special and such a privilege to be allowed to perform for other people.
What do you hope audiences reflect on about their own relationships after seeing Sunk Into the Earth?
I’d be very honoured if Sunk Into the Earth makes people think about themselves and others. I think to show kindness is always a great start, especially when we struggle to understand the other person, and to hear people out. Also to see the difficult talks we sometimes need to have with our friends and family not just as unwanted, uncomfortable situations but as an opportunity of growth, an investment in an important relationship, that can keep and also gain us amazing people and connection in our lives.