Following the success of her debut play, Île, Sophie Joans brings a new piece about a mother and daughter navigating their tumultuous relationship.

Dog Rose (Rosa Canina) is a species of wild rose. This plant is a climber, and grows on existing structures like fences or trees. With the correct support, they can grow to huge hedges.

Rose has always struggled to keep up. For as long as she can remember, the world moved two steps ahead of her at incredible speed: from deadlines to conversations, that constantly eluded her.

When her daughter, Nina, was born, she hoped she could finally have a relationship at her own pace. But nothing could have prepared her for the whirlwind of motherhood. Nina’s childhood flashed before her eyes. Now an adult, Nina reflects on her complicated relationship with her mother. When a possible diagnosis of high-functioning autism possibly explains her mother’s anxieties and (sometimes inappropriate) social interactions, she hopes they can finally come to understand each other.

The play raises awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder, which has historically been mis-diagnosed in women and girls.

Directed by former Standard Bank Artist of the Year, Jemma Kahn, Dog Rose stars Sophie Joans, alongside award-winning actress Anthea Thompson.