Octopolis (NHB Modern Plays)

Professor George Grey is world-renowned for her pioneering research into octopus intelligence. Recently bereaved, her closest relationship these days is with her research subject: Frances, who resides in a large, purpose-built tank in George's campus accommodation.

But when ambitious anthropologist Harry enters her life, his breathtaking new theory threatens to tear her world apart in more ways than one…

A play for two actors – and one octopus – Octopolis by Marek Horn is a fascinating and funny exploration of love, grief, and what makes us human. It premiered at Hampstead Theatre, London, in September 2023, directed by Ed Madden.

'A grownup campus romcom, with profound and complex ideas about consciousness and intelligence' – Guardian

'A tangled, tentacled tale… unabashedly cerebral' – The Times

'Funny, touching, and surprising… an intimate two-hander that reveals itself to be about vastly expansive ideas… Marek Horn's writing is probing and incisive… manages to express very complex ideas, both academic and interpersonal, with a surprising lucidity, and with moments of unexpected comedy… an intricately intellectual piece of theatre, diving headfirst into questions of sentience, religion, grief, and community from a uniquely smart writer… you could watch or read Octopolis several times over and continue to notice something new… if you go to the theatre to think, to learn something, to do some introspection, it's unmissable' – Broadway World

'Fascinating… a game of who's-watching-who as a rapid-fire sparring of wits and intellect dive and propel through the murky waters of grief, spirituality, and admiring love' – WhatsOnStage