Therese Raquin

Therese Raquin by Emile Zola, adapted by Nicholas Wright

Since she was a young girl Therese has lived with her controlling aunt, Madam Raquin, and her sickly and indolent cousin Camille. When she reaches adulthood she has little option but to obey her aunt and marry him, ending up in a loveless marriage. When an old friend of Camille's, the handsome would-be artist Laurent, enters her small world, passion is kindled and the two begin a torrid, secretive love affair. Their desire to be together leads them to plan a crime, the memory of which they cannot escape. Emile Zola's 1867 novel and subsequent stage play shocked audiences when it first appeared, and continues to today.