the contract killer

by Benny Andersen

translated by Paul Russell Garrett

Karlsen is a down-on-his-luck private investigator looking for work. When the only job on offer is a contract killing, Karlsen agrees despite his lack of experience. Things don’t go to plan and it seems the contract is open to negotiation.

The play follows the twists and turns of an inexperienced contract killer with a weakness for turquoise dresses and wide-eyed women. This absurdist comedy by one of Denmark’s best-loved writers sees the fates of the eponymous contract killer, his target, the employer and his wife, twist, turn and hang in the balance.

What is a life worth? Who will survive? And will the hair dye ever make it to Pakistan?

2011-15

UK and English language premiere

Original title:
Lejemoderen

Language:
Danish

: ensemble

Karlsen Darren Stamford
Rober Riis Will Timbers (2015)
and Ben Stanley (2012)
and Rob Stott (2011)
Director Jørgen Holt Jason Denyer
Ellen Holt Debbie White
and Trine Garrett as Secretary Svendsen

: production team

Direction Camila França & Trine Garrett

Production Camila França & Trine Garrett

thanks to
Nyborg’s Kitchen, Norvik Press, the Danish Church in London (2012) and Nordicana festival (2015).

Presented by special arrangement with Benny Andersen & Elisabeth Ehmer.

venues
Troxy, Stepney, as part of Nordicana ,2015
The Danish Church in London, as part of An Afternoon with Benny Andersen, 2012
Pop-up Crime Scene, Hackney Wick, as part of A Night of Crime, 2011
Nyborg’s Kitchen, Muswell Hill (rehearsed reading), 2010