Liz Hicklin, now 95, is preparing to premiere her first play at the Melbourne Fringe Festival this October. Titled “Sylvia Plath Stole My Boyfriend,” the work chronicles her romantic relationship with the late poet Ted Hughes during their youth.
Hicklin describes the Yorkshire-born Hughes as having a “magic touch” that many women experienced. Recalling their time together, she said, “It was like I was blossoming.””
The journey to the stage began with a serendipitous miss. Hicklin recounted how heavy rain made the drive to the Sorrento terminal dangerous, prompting her to sit in the car park and watch her ferry depart. Despite chiding herself for being unrealistic at age 92, she decided to board the next vessel. She describes that choice as a “sliding doors” moment that ultimately led to her current creative pursuit.
While acknowledging that her generation might typically expect her to “really be knitting,” Hicklin has instead channeled her experiences into theater, bringing her story of life with Hughes to an international audience.
I wonder if she addresses the complexities of the Plath-Hughes triangle in the script? Hope it’s not just a simple romance narrative.
Can’t wait to see this at the Fringe! A serendipitous missed ferry leading to a premiere is just the kind of magic Melbourne loves.
A play about Ted Hughes? Honestly, I’m surprised she didn’t stick to knitting like people expected. Interesting choice of subject matter though.
This is absolutely fantastic! Who says you can’t start over at 95? What an inspiring story about creative late blooming.