BROKEN CLAY
Broken Clay is an experimental theatre work by Know Promises Theatre Collective that explores the life, legacy, and creative spirit of French sculptor Camille Claudel. Combining movement, live sculpting, and an immersive soundscape, the piece asks a simple but profound question: Are we moulded by the world around us, or do we shape ourselves through resistance?
Set within the imagined space of an artist's studio, Broken Clay follows the act of creation itself. Clay is sculpted live on stage, bodies become both maker and material, and unfinished forms emerge and disappear before the audience's eyes. Inspired by Claudel's struggle to be recognised as an artist in her own right, the work examines themes of authorship, labour, memory, and the stories history chooses to remember or forget.
Rather than presenting a traditional biography, Broken Clay offers a physical and poetic portrait of a woman at work. Through a blend of physical theatre, live art, and visual performance, the piece invites audiences into a world where beauty and destruction coexist, and where the act of making becomes an act of survival.
Developed through Cairde Arts Festival, Atelier Beckett in France with Judy and Conor Lovett of Gare St Lazare, and ongoing national and international partnerships, Broken Clay is a powerful reflection on creativity, resilience, and the women who refused to disappear.
Inspiration
Camile Claudel: Une femme brisée
Inspired by Genius, Madness and Forgotten Legacy
"I have nothing but my soul to offer." — Camille Claudel
After 1905, Camille Claudel once a rising star in the world of sculpture began to unravel. Her life descended into isolation, marked by mental illness, artistic destruction, and a haunting paranoia. She claimed Auguste Rodin had stolen her ideas and orchestrated a conspiracy against her. Camille retreated into her studio, sculpting in near-total seclusion.
Her father, the only family member who supported her unconditionally, passed away in 1913. Camille was never informed. Eight days later, on the request of her Mother, she was institutionalized. She remained confined for 30 years until her death in obscurity and poverty, denied even the solace of her art.
A Story Reclaimed
A Story Reclaimed This production reclaims the brilliance of Camille Claudel—a woman whose genius was overshadowed, whose passion was punished, and whose sculptures whispered truths too bold for her time. Inspired by:
● "Une Femme" by Anne Delbée – a poetic and defiant tribute to Claudel’s inner world.
● The complete letters of Camille Claudel – unfiltered, intimate cries from a trapped soul.
● Bruno Nuytten’s film Camille Claudel – a searing cinematic portrait.
● Her sculptures – from Sakuntala to The Age of Maturity, many of which were destroyed by her own hands in acts of defiance or despair. Visual & Artistic Direction
Cairde Arts Festival Showcase
Cast
‘‘Sculptor’’ - performer
Director
Stage Manager
And finally…
OUR MAGICAL KEYS
Blue Raincoat Theater
Thanks to them, we had opportunity to use their full creative space. And a lot good advice. We can even say, that for one week they gave us a place where to live. It was an amazingly atmospheric playing space to present work to an intimate audience. We will always remember our first presentation to a public & trust we will return to this stage.
Ard Voltas
An intimate space where we could preset ‘Broken Clay’ up close and personal. The energy from both the space and the artists of the space were greatly appreciated.
Cairde Arts Festival
A chance for us to bring this piece to a wide audience which gave us the very informative feedback we need and cherish.
Acroaer Sligo
A venue that let us fully explore the possibilities and avenues that this crazy piece could go. very accommodating to our artistic needs.
Collaboration is the key that opens magical doors in this world.
Every creation needs collaboration. It is almost impossible to bring something to the stage, working without a team. There is so much more, than the audience could imagine. It is pleasure to find such a good collaborators. Thank you!