Bloomsbury Productions - Donkey & Potto, performed letters of Vita Sackville-West and Virginia Woolf


Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West, are two fascinating literary figures of the early twentieth Not only were they successful authors, but Virginia was an ardent feminist and Vita a well-travelled diplomat's wife who travelled to Persia, Berlin and many other parts of the world, writing extensively about them. She travelled in a time when travel was not as slick an operation as it is today. Both women behaved in ways which entirely suited their philosophies of life, even if they scandalised the English society. Virginia was of course, a pivotal memeber of the avant garde Bloomsbury Set and Vita sucessfully seduced a large number of high society women, including the present Duchess of Cornwall’s great aunt! Vita and Virginia were attracted to each other first moment they met, and eventually became life-long friends. Fortunately for us, the twenty years of their are covered in fascinating detail in their letters to each other which they wrote sometimes daily and with insight and humour. The celebrated English actress, Dame Eileen Atkins developed a drama from these letters which in 1992, she performed in and on Broadway with great success. She titled the work ‘Vita & Virginia’. So great is the amount of letters between these two Bloomsbury Productions have put together a collection of of those not included in Dame Eileen’s play, which show a lighter and more detailed aspect of their lives and times. They have called this piece ‘ Donkey & Potto’ - these the pet names that Vita and Virginia called each other. ‘Donkey & Potto’ is a dramatic reading of letters which has been performed across Britain by Amanda Waldy and Jenny Tarren who not only present this collection but also toured in Eileen’s play ‘Vita & Virginia’ for over two years and both developed a lasting interest in the lives of these wonderful women. Apart from giving a dramatised reading of the letters, Jenny and Amanda have added a completely unique sub text to the evening’s performance. They set out for their audience, a collection of anecdotes and stories which they have collected during their five years involvement with Vita Sackville-West and Virginia Woolf. Some of the most important people they met during explorations, are sadly no longer living and so these are now a vital part of the history of Vita and Virginia.

Bloomsbury Productions - Donkey & Potto, performed letters of Vita Sackville-West and Virginia Woolf
VITA AND VIRGINIA RECALLED AT RODMELL "Donkey & Potto"

As a result of the tremendous popularity of Eileen Atkin’s play ‘Vita and Virginia’, Bloomsbury Productions have devised a new drama based on more of the letters exchanged between these two extraordinary women. Early this year, Amanda Waldy and Jenny Tarren were approached by the custodians of Monk’s House, Rodmell (where Virginia and Leonard Woolf lived for many years).	Monks House - Rodmell

Monks House - Rodmell	They were keen to thank the substantial team of volunteers who spend many hours during the summer answering the questions from international visitors who regularly come to see the place where Virginia created so many of her novels.After some discussion, it was decided that a new selection of the letters from the vast correspondence between the two women, would make a fascinating, dramatised reading.

Both Jenny and Amanda, being now so familiar with the letters, set about reorganising them in such a way that different aspects of Vita and Virginia’s relationship would be reflected. Thanks to the approval of Vita’s son, the late Nigel Nicolson who presided over Virginia’s diaries and letters, they were able to select items not previously highlighted in other dramatisations.	Monks House - Rodmell

Monks House - Rodmell	The final collection brilliantly celebrates the great wit and humour of Virginia, a trait all too easily neglected because of the usual focus on her depressions and mental instability. The first performance of this piece took place in the sitting room at Rodmell on a cool, windswept evening in late April. The audience were all passionate and knowledgeable about Virginia Woolf.

Jenny Tarren, who bears a striking resemblance to Virginia, drew gasps as she sat down in the author’s own chair to begin the evening’s drama. The following lively and sensitive performances from these two accomplished actresses, gave a tangible reality and resonance into Virginia’s life.	Monks House - Rodmell

Monks House - Rodmell	The simplicity of this presentation has delighted all those who have seen it. A particular intimacy is created by Amanda and Jenny who are now so familiar with the characters, that they deliver the letters with a great understanding and warmth which is convincing and compelling. The result is ‘Donkey and Potto’, a moving entertainment of an hour’s duration which can be performed in a wide variety of settings.