mars.tarrab was set up in 2007 by Rachel Mars and visual artist/live artist nat tarrab.  We create new pieces of experimental theatre, live art and installations that are joyful, sharp, sad and witty.

We make visceral and physical work, always starting from our bodies - one small (Rachel) and one tall (nat). We are concerned with the funny, sad, revealing moments of life; both the moments that change the course of your life as you know it, and the ones that whip past almost without your noticing. 

Our shows often include singing, dancing, dressing up, faux science and sometimes just talking. They are uncompromising, intelligent in construction and intricately layered. 

Tomboy Blues - The Theory of Disappointment

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Funny, confessional, and a little bit sad at times, Tomboy Blues is a show about tomboyism, disappointment and culottes. Using theatre, unreliable science, doris day, and some of the worst dresses in the UK, Rachel Mars and nat tarrab look at gender identity and falling in love. A show for anyone who has ever wondered what it would be like if they weren't what they are.

"Three weeks before my cousin's Bar Mitzvah, the clothing negotiations with my family began. I ended up in a culotte compromise. In the photos I stood with my legs really far apart so everyone could see it wasn't a skirt."

First performed at the Barbican Theatre Plymouth in 2009, and as part of the See You Next Tuesday festival at the New Players Theatre in March 2010.

You can watch the 5 minute trailer below.

27 Ways I Will Never Fuck My Mother

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27 Ways I Will Never Fuck My Mother is a raw, funny and moving solo show for two people.  The show asks how we prepare for loss, whether there’s any point in doing so, and what becomes of you after you lose something. Rachel’s narrative explores her love affair with her 92 year old grandmother, being shit at sport, how Hitler is always at the breakfast table and why 5’3” is two inches too tall to be Jewish. nat’s side of the story is about how far you should go in a quest to be teacher’s pet, how to find your way home without a trail of crumbs and what you do when you become older than your older brother. The stories are linked by an on-going competition to be the best boy, and an obsession with Dustin Hoffman.

"We are now going to learn Brace Position A. Should the fear of loss overcome you in a public setting this position can be employed without risk of discovery."

The show runs at approximately 50 minutes

The show was first developed and performed as part of the Barbican Theatre Plymouth’s ‘In the Flesh’ Festival in 2007. It then received support from ‘The Scene Pool’ at Camden People’s Theatre where it was shown in early 2008. It received development support from BAC and was performed there in Summer 2008.


Feedback from the Show

‘I found it extremely feminine and generous, full of beautiful scenes but also raw and powerful’
Mamoru Iriguchi, Live Artist

‘Fantastic performances’
Julian Fox, Live Artist

‘Poetic without being pretentious’
‘Made me think about everything I have lost. Very moving’
‘It made me feel normal’
Audience Members