Bloomsbury Cleansed

In an institution designed to rid society of its undesirables, a group of inmates try to save themselves through love.

"For better or worse, the spell of most plays drifts off the moment you leave the theatre. Not Sarah Kane's Cleansed. Hard as you try, its compelling, horror-soaked atmosphere refuses to be shaken off. It clings to you like a shroud ... The writing has an almost unparalleled distilled intensity which is often unbearable to watch ... To some it will be repellent. Others will recognize it as absolute proof of the power of live theatre."—Independent

"Kane's strength is her concentration—not a word is wasted."—Time Out

"Kane's voice is uniquely shrill, bleakly humorous, and pared down."—Tribune

Cleansed premiered at the Royal Court Theatre, London, in April 1998.