95-Year-Old Premieres Play About Ted Hughes Romance

Liz Hicklin, a 95-year-old woman, is set to debut her first play, titled "Sylvia Plath Stole My Boyfriend," at the Melbourne Fringe Festival in October. The play chronicles Hicklin's personal romantic relationship with the renowned poet Ted Hughes during his younger years. This significant life event for Hicklin occurred after a moment of hesitation where she almost missed a ferry, a decision she now views as a pivotal turning point. Initially, at 92 years old, Hicklin considered returning home due to the inclement weather and her age, but she ultimately boarded the subsequent ferry, leading to this new artistic endeavor. Hicklin reflects on her past connection with Hughes, describing his presence as having a "magic touch" that made many women, including herself, feel as though they were "blossoming." The play's premiere at the Melbourne Fringe Festival marks a significant artistic achievement for Hicklin, transforming a personal history into a public performance. The Melbourne Fringe Festival is an annual event that showcases a diverse range of independent and emerging artistic talent across various disciplines, including theatre, comedy, dance, and music. It provides a platform for artists to present their work to a broad audience and engage with the wider arts community. Hicklin's decision to create a play about her relationship with Ted Hughes, a figure also famously associated with his wife, the poet Sylvia Plath, adds a layer of intrigue and personal narrative to the well-documented life of the poet. Ted Hughes, who was born in 1930, was a prominent English poet, translator, and children's writer. He served as Poet Laureate from 1984 until his death in 1998. His life and work have been the subject of extensive literary analysis and biographical study, often intertwined with the tragic story of Sylvia Plath, his first wife, who died in 1963. Hicklin's play offers a unique, personal perspective on Hughes's life, potentially shedding light on his relationships beyond his more widely known associations. The title itself, "Sylvia Plath Stole My Boyfriend," directly references the complex and often fraught romantic entanglements surrounding Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath, framing Hicklin's narrative within this well-known literary context. The play's debut at the Melbourne Fringe Festival signifies a late-career artistic venture for Hicklin, demonstrating a continued engagement with creative expression and storytelling. The festival's focus on independent and experimental work provides an ideal setting for a play rooted in personal memoir and historical reflection. Hicklin's personal account suggests a profound impact from her relationship with Hughes, describing a feeling of personal growth and vitality, which she attributes to his influence. This emotional resonance is likely to be a central theme explored within the theatrical production.