Dating apps, booze and clubbing – Jane Austen's Emma comes into the 21st Century

Dating apps, booze and clubbing – Jane Austen's Emma comes into the 21st Century

Culture reporter Emma Saunders brings a refreshing take on Jane Austen’s classic novel “Emma” in a new adaptation at London’s Rose Theatre. Unlike the traditional Regency England setting, this modern twist follows Emma Woodhouse as she navigates the complexities of online dating and meddling in her friends’ love lives after returning home from university.

Playwright Ava Pickett, who crafted this contemporary version, drew inspiration from her own experiences as a young woman navigating post-university struggles. Her personal journey mirrors Emma’s journey as she grapples with failure, defensiveness, and a desire to control the lives of those around her.

At 31, Pickett has established herself as a talented writer, with credits including TV dramas and a play staged at London’s Almeida theatre. Her fresh take on “Emma” reflects the struggles of modern relationships in the age of dating apps, where self-worth is often tied to validation from matches and likes, leading to toxic behaviors like ghosting and superficial judgments.

The cast, led by Amelia Kenworthy and Kit Young, brings a new energy to the characters, highlighting the chaos of modern communication and the complexities of relationships. Pickett’s adaptation delves deeper into the role of female friendships and the growth of characters like Harriet, emphasizing the timeless themes of love, jealousy, and self-discovery that resonate over 200 years since Austen’s original publication

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More