NATIONAL THEATRE: APRIL – AUGUST 2013
Rufus Norris directs James Baldwin’s THE AMEN CORNER, with a cast led by
Marianne Jean-Baptiste and Sharon D Clarke, in the Travelex £12 Tickets
season
Anne-Marie Duff returns to the National in STRANGE INTERLUDE by Eugene
O’Neill, directed by Simon Godwin
Richard Eyre directs LIOLÀ by Luigi Pirandello, in a new version by Tanya
Ronder
Booking opens for EMIL AND THE DETECTIVES by Erich Kästner, in a new
version by Carl Miller, directed by Bijan Sheibani
THE HUSH by Matthew Herbert and Ben Power; Nadia Fall’s HOME; and Rory
Mullarkey’s THE GRANDFATHERS open in The Shed
A new version of ROMEO AND JULIET for younger audiences by Ben Power is
directed by Bijan Sheibani
National Theatre CONNECTIONS premieres ten new plays for young people
NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE presents This House from the Olivier and The
Audience from the Gielgud Theatre
Sam Holcroft is appointed Writer in Residence; Propstore, the riverfront cafébar, returns for the summer; Platforms, Exhibitions and Learning
STRANGE INTERLUDE
Lyttelton Theatre
Previews from 28 May, press night 4 June, continuing in repertoire until August (dates
in late August will be announced with the new booking period in June)
STRANGE INTERLUDE by Eugene O’Neill will be directed by Simon Godwin,
opening in the Lyttelton Theatre on 4 June. Anne-Marie Duff returns to the National,
where she last played the title role in Saint Joan; the cast will also include Geraldine
Alexander, Patrick Drury, Charles Edwards, Darren Pettie, Wilf Scolding and Jason
Watkins. The production will be designed by Soutra Gilmour, with lighting by Guy
Hoare, music by Michael Bruce and sound by Christopher Shutt.
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Following a family from the aftermath of World War One until the late 1940s, Eugene
O’Neill’s audacious epic is one of the great masterpieces of American theatre.
Shattered when the love of her life is killed in the war and haunted by their
unconsummated passion, Nina escapes her jealous Ivy League father and embarks
on a series of tawdry sexual escapades until, cajoled by her appalled, long-suffering
suitor Charles, she marries the amiable young Sam. But while pregnant, Nina learns
a horrifying secret that precipitates a desperate, life-changing decision and propels
her fatally into the arms of another.
For her role as Saint Joan, Anne-Marie Duff won Best Actress at the Evening
Standard and Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards 2008 and was nominated for an Olivier;
the production was named Best Theatre Production at the South Bank Awards. Her
recent theatre work has included Cause Célèbre (Old Vic) and the title role in
Berenice (Donmar Warehouse). Her extensive award-winning screen work includes
Shameless, Parade’s End, The Accused – Mo’s Story, Margot and The History of Mr
Polly.
Charles Edwards (who plays Charles) is currently appearing in James Graham’s This
House as Jack Weatherill, for which he was nominated for the 2012 Olivier Best
Actor Award jointly with his role as Bertie in The King’s Speech (West End). His
television work includes Downton Abbey; theatre includes Much Ado About Nothing
(Shakespeare’s Globe) and The 39 Steps (West End and Broadway).
Simon Godwin makes his NT directorial debut; he is currently an Associate Director
of Bristol Old Vic and the Royal Court, where his productions include Lucy
Kirkwood’s NSFW, Vivienne Franzmann’s The Witness, Luke Norris’ Goodbye to All
That, Anya Reiss’ The Acid Test, and Nick Payne’s Wanderlust. His work for Bristol
includes Krapp’s Last Tape/A Kind Of Alaska, The Faith Healer and Far Away; and
elsewhere, The Winter’s Tale (Headlong with Nuffield Theatre and Schtanhaus/UK
tour). He received the Emerging Director Award at the 2012 Evening Standard
Awards.
Press night: Tuesday 4 June at 6.30pm
Contact: Mary Parker on 020 7452 3234 mparker@nationaltheatre.org.uk
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THE AMEN CORNER
Travelex £12 Tickets, Olivier Theatre
Previews from 4 June, press night 11 June, playing in repertoire until 14 August
Rufus Norris directs James Baldwin’s THE AMEN CORNER, opening in the Olivier
on 11 June. The cast includes Eric Kofi Abrefa, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Sharon D
Clarke and Lucian Msamati. The production will have set designs by Ian MacNeil,
costumes by Joan Wadge, lighting by Paul Anderson, music arranged and
supervised by The Rev Bazil Meade, movement by Javier De Frutos and sound by
Simon Baker.
As the gospel singing soars, Sister Margaret, uncompromising pastor of her Harlem
church, has a congregation already in revolt against her hardline leadership. Their
resentment escalates with the return of her absentee husband, a trombone-playing
sinner, and the wayward conduct of her formerly paragon, musical son. Charges of
hypocrisy hang in the air and Margaret’s devout world looks perilously close to falling
apart.
Beautifully expressed through the rousing beat of the gospel choir, the community’s
sense of love, grief and spiritual survival will be given full voice in the National’s
production of James Baldwin’s 1965 play.
Marianne Jean-Baptiste returns to work in the UK for the first time since Mike Leigh’s
1996 film Secrets & Lies, for which she received an Academy Award nomination for
Best Supporting Actress. She appeared in the long-running American television
series Without a Trace and most recently in Takers, Secrets in the Walls and Harry’s
Law.
Sharon D Clarke was last seen at the NT in Guys and Dolls; her many lead roles in
West End musicals include We Will Rock You, Hairspray, Chicago and Ghost the
Musical. TV includes several series of Holby City.
Rufus Norris is an Associate Director at the NT. His recent productions include
London Road and Death and the King’s Horseman at the NT, Cabaret in the West
End, Feast at the Young Vic, Dr Dee at the Manchester Festival and ENO, and Les
Liaisons Dangereuses on Broadway; his production of Table by Tanya Ronder will
open in The Shed in April. His debut feature film, Broken, won Best Film at the
British Independent Film Awards.
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Almost half the seats in the Olivier will be Travelex £12 Tickets, with the rest at £24
and £34. Media partner: The Independent.
Press night: Tuesday 11 June.
Contact: Martin Shippen on 020 7452 3233; mshippen@nationaltheatre.org.uk
LIOLÀ
Travelex £12 Tickets, Lyttelton Theatre
Previews from 31 July, press night 7 August, continuing in repertoire until autumn
(dates beyond August will be announced with the new booking period in June)
Former NT Director Richard Eyre returns to direct LIOLÀ by Luigi Pirandello, in a new
version by Tanya Ronder: a Travelex £12 Tickets production, opening in the Lyttelton
Theatre on 7 August. The cast includes Lisa Dwyer Hogg, James Hayes, Rory
Keenan, Carla Langley, Niamh McGowan, Roxanna Nic Liam and Jessica Regan.
The production will be designed by Anthony Ward, with lighting by Neil Austin, music
by Orlando Gough, choreography by Scarlett Mackmin and sound by Rich Walsh.
This high-spirited drama by Pirandello defies expectations. It is not the intellectual
whirlwind of his Six Characters in Search of an Author but takes us instead to the
heart of a rural community where property and kinship provoke fierce passions.
Liolà, a young man untroubled by tradition, takes the part of nature all the way.
Written in Sicilian dialect, LIOLÀ is rarely played in the English language. Tanya
Ronder’s new version is performed by an Irish cast and gypsy musicians.
Tanya Ronder’s play Table will open at the National’s temporary venue, The Shed, in
April; her work includes adaptations of Lorca’s Blood Wedding for the Almeida
Theatre, DBC Pierre’s Vernon God Little (nominated for an Olivier Award for Best
New Play) and Lope de Vega’s Peribanez for the Young Vic; Peter Pan in
Kensington Gardens and the O2; and Ionesco’s Macbett for the RSC.
Rory Keenan, who plays the title role, has recently appeared in The Kitchen and
Damned by Despair at the National and Philadelphia Here I Come and Dublin Carol
at the Donmar Warehouse; and on television in Birdsong and Law and Order.
Richard Eyre was Director of the National Theatre from 1988 – 1997. His more
recent productions include Welcome to Thebes, The Observer and The Reporter for
the National, The Dark Earth and the Light Sky (Almeida), Quartermaine’s Terms
(West End), Mary Poppins and Private Lives (West End and Broadway); and
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Henry IV Parts I and II for the BBC’s series The Hollow Crown. His films include Iris,
Stage Beauty and Notes on a Scandal.
400 seats for every performance will be Travelex £12 Tickets, with the rest at £24
and £34. Media partner: The Independent.
Press night: Wednesday 7 August
Contact: Mary Parker on 020 7452 3234 mparker@nationaltheatre.org.uk
EMIL AND THE DETECTIVES
Olivier Theatre
Performances from November. Suitable for everyone aged 7 and over.
Booking is opening early for some November and December performances of EMIL
AND THE DETECTIVES by Erich Kästner, adapted by Carl Miller, in the Olivier
Theatre. The production will be directed by Bijan Sheibani and designed by Bunny
Christie, with lighting design by Lucy Carter, movement direction by Aline David and
sound design by Ian Dickinson.
Join young Emil as he says goodbye to his mother, leaves his small town and sets off
on a journey that will change his life. When his money is stolen on the train by a
mysterious stranger, Emil thinks he’s lost everything. But as he starts tracking down
the thief, he soon discovers that he’s not alone in the big city after all.
For this classic tale of a boy learning to rely on himself – and on his new friends – the
Olivier stage transforms into 1920s Berlin: a place full of surprises and danger, where
everything moves at the speed of your imagination.
Carl Miller was the Artistic Director of the Young People's programme at the Royal
Court Theatre from 1997 to 1999, and since 2002, has been the Literary Manager of
the Unicorn Theatre. His plays and adaptations include White Suit, Ostrich Boys, The
Three Musketeers and The London Eye Mystery.
Bijan Sheibani is an Associate Director at the NT, where his credits include The
Kitchen, Our Class and the US touring production of War Horse.
The press night is likely to be Tuesday 3 or Wednesday 4 December, to be confirmed
in the next booking period.
Contact: Martin Shippen on 020 7452 3233; mshippen@nationaltheatre.org.uk
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THE SHED
The Shed is a temporary venue in front of the NT from April 2013 – February 2014,
providing a third stage during the Cottesloe's closure for the NT Future
redevelopment. It has 225 seats at £12 and £20.
THE GRANDFATHERS
9 – 13 July
A Bristol Old Vic Young Company production, The Grandfathers by Rory Mullarkey
was first seen in NT Connections 2012.
Fifty years ago, National Service ended in the UK, but elsewhere in the world
teenagers are still regularly conscripted into the armed forces. The Grandfathers
follows eight boys from training camp to the battlefields of an unknown war.
Rory Mullarkey’s plays include Cannibals (Royal Exchange), The Threshing Floor
(Hampstead) and Remembrance Day, translated from the original play by Aleksejs
Ščerbaks (Royal Court).
Contact: Laura Horton on 020 7452 3231; lhorton@nationaltheatre.org.uk
THE HUSH
17 July – 3 August; press night 22 July
Created by Matthew Herbert and Ben Power, with original music and sound scores
by Matthew Herbert, THE HUSH is a unique aural adventure commissioned
especially for The Shed.
A creak, a shuffle, a footstep. A whisper, a breath, a memory.
Investigating the emotions and politics of sound with wit and theatrical imagination,
The Hush promises that the truth is out there, if only we listen hard enough…
Matthew Herbert is a composer, DJ and electronic musician who uses everyday
items to create electronic music. Previous work includes albums Herbert Complete,
One Pig, Around The House and Scale as well as producing for artists such as Björk,
REM and Serge Gainsbourg. He runs music label Accidental Records.
Ben Power is an Associate Director of the National Theatre, where his dramaturgy
includes The Effect, This House, Timon of Athens, The Doctor’s Dilemma, Antigone,
Double Feature and Earthquakes in London, and an adaptation of Ibsen’s Emperor
and Galilean. His new version of Romeo and Juliet for young audiences premieres
at The Shed in July.
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HOME
7 August – 7 September; press night 9 August
Created and directed by Nadia Fall, with a team of musicians and actors including
Michaela Coel, Kadiff Kirwan, Grace Savage, Shakka and Toby Wharton, HOME will
be designed by Ruth Sutcliffe, with choreography by Jack Murphy, music by Tom
Green and Shakka Philip, and sound by Mike Walker.
Documentary theatre meets beatboxing, R&B and exhilarating choreography to tell
the stories of the Londoners who don’t get heard. Verbatim material gathered through
interviews combines with original and existing music to give voice to the
dispossessed: all coming from a different place, all sharing a need for HOME.
Nadia Fall’s work as a director at the National Theatre includes Hymn and The
Doctor's Dilemma. She is Artistic Director of Naach Theatre Company, where her
productions include The Maids (Lyric, Hammersmith and Mac Birmingham); Miss
Julie (Oval House); and a site-specific production of Wild Turkey in Old Street.
Contact: Susie Newbery on 020 7452 3061; snewbery@nationaltheatre.org.uk
ROMEO AND JULIET in a version for young audiences
(suitable for families with children aged 8 years and over)
24 July – 18 August
Shakespeare’ s ROMEO AND JULIET, in a version for young audiences by Ben
Power, directed by Bijan Sheibani, will tour London schools in the summer term
supported by an extensive education programme and visit Derry-Londonderry for the
UK City of Culture 2013 celebrations, before coming to The Shed from 24 July – 2
August. The cast includes Esh Alladi, Ashley Chin, Natalie Drew, Tendayi Jembere,
Bunmi Mojekwu and Archana Ramaswamy. It will be designed by Becs Andrews,
with choreography by Aline David, music by Soumik Datta, sound by Mike Winship
and lighting by Paul Knott.
A modern city. A deadly feud. And a pair of star-crossed lovers. Set against a vibrant
urban backdrop, bursting full of excitement, colour, dancing and live song, a
company of eight recreate the most famous love story of all time. A swift,
contemporary celebration of Shakespeare’s much loved drama which brings Romeo
and Juliet to life for a new generation.
Ben Power and Bijan Sheibani are Associate Directors of the National Theatre; Bijan
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Sheibani’s production of the classic children’s adventure story Emil and the Detectives
will play in the Olivier Theatre from November.
Romeo and Juliet is supported by: The Ingram Trust, The Archie Sherman, Charitable Trust,
Behrens Foundation, Ernest Cook Trust, Mohamed S. Farsi Foundation Goldsmiths’
Company Charity, Worshipful Company of Grocers, Jill and David Leuw, Royal Victoria Hall
Foundation, The Topinambour Trust.
The Shed Partner is Neptune Investment Management.
Contact: Philippa Crossman on 020 7452 3236; pcrossman@nationaltheatre.org.uk
CONNECTIONS
Olivier Theatre and The Shed
3 – 8 July
Each year the National Theatre commissions ten writers to create new plays for
performance by schools and young theatres all over the country. This year the writers
are Howard Brenton, Jim Cartwright, Lucinda Coxon, Ryan Craig, Stacey Gregg,
Jonathan Harvey, Lenny Henry, Jemma Kennedy, Morna Pearson and Anya Reiss.
Over the past months these plays have premiered across the UK by 222 companies
in 23 leading regional theatres. Ten companies will be selected to bring their
productions to the National Theatre in July.
Contact: Laura Horton on 020 7452 3231; lhorton@nationaltheatre.org.uk
NEW VIEWS
The Shed
New Views is the National Theatre’s playwriting programme for 15-19 year olds,
encouraging them to use theatre as a means of examining contemporary society.
Hundreds of students from across the world have worked with some of the UK’s
finest writers and submitted their own 30minute plays into competition, with the
winner having their work staged by the NT with a professional cast. The winning play
will be announced on 3 June.
Performances: The Shed, 11 – 12 July at 6pm; Houses of Parliament, 15 July.
Nine other shortlisted plays will have professional readings in the NT Foyers on 8 – 12 and
16 – 19 July at 12.45pm.
Schools and colleges wishing to take part in the New Views 2013/14 programme can sign up
now at new-views.tv/competition
Contact: Philippa Crossman on 020 7452 3236; pcrossman@nationaltheatre.org.uk
BEYOND THE SOUTH BANK
PEOPLE on tour
Siân Phillips joins original cast member Selina Cadell in Alan Bennett’s PEOPLE on
tour this autumn, following a sell-out run in the Lyttelton and a record-breaking
National Theatre Live broadcast. Nicholas Hytner’s production visits: Birmingham
Rep Theatre (3 – 21 September), Curve, Leicester (24 – 28 September), Theatre
Royal, Norwich (1 – 5 October), The Lowry, Salford (15 – 19 October), Marlowe
Theatre, Canterbury (22 – 26 October), Milton Keynes Theatre (29 October – 2
November), Grand Theatre, Leeds (5 – 9 November) and Theatre Royal, Plymouth
(12 – 16 November).
Contact: Laura Horton on 020 7452 3231; lhorton@nationaltheatre.org.uk
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NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE
The next National Theatre Live broadcasts to cinemas worldwide will be James
Graham’s sell-out play THIS HOUSE from the Olivier Theatre on 16 May; and, in a
third partnership with another British theatre production, Peter Morgan’s new play
THE AUDIENCE, with Helen Mirren as The Queen, broadcast live from the West
End’s Gielgud Theatre on 13 June. OTHELLO will be broadcast on 26 September.
International dates for the screenings vary.
National Theatre Live is supported by Aviva. For venue information and booking
details, please visit www.ntlive.com
Contact: Mary Parker on mparker@nationaltheatre.org.uk
CURIOUS INCIDENT… relaxed performance
There will be a relaxed performance of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the NightTime at the Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue on 22 June at 2.30pm. Tickets go
on sale on 8 April. Relaxed performances are aimed at anyone who would benefit
from a more relaxed performance environment including people with an Autistic
Spectrum Condition, sensory or communication disorders, or a learning disability.
Contact: Nada Zakula on nzakula@nationaltheatre.org.uk
SAM HOLCROFT APPOINTED WRITER IN RESIDENCE
The playwright Sam Holcroft will succeed Ryan Craig as Writer in Residence at the
National Theatre from April 2013 for one year. Her play Edgar and Annabel was
produced as part of ‘Double Feature’ at the NT’s Paintframe in 2011.
The post of Writer in Residence is based at the NT Studio, where Sam Holcroft will
focus on her own work as well as offering support to other creative artists and
theatre-makers developing work there, and also bring a writer’s perspective to the
creative planning of the National Theatre.
In 2009-10 Sam Holcroft was the Pearson Playwright in Residence at the Traverse
Theatre and in 2009 she won the Tom Erhardt Award for up-and-coming writers. Her
theatre plays include Edgar and Annabel for the NT; Dancing Bears, part of the
Charged season for Clean Break at Soho Theatre and Latitude Festival; While You
Lie at the Traverse Theatre; Pink, part of the Women, Power and Politics Season at
the Tricycle Theatre; Vanya, adapted from Chekhov, at The Gate; and Cockroach,
co-produced by National Theatre of Scotland and the Traverse Theatre (nominated
for Best New Play 2008 by the Critics’ Awards for Theatre in Scotland and shortlisted
for the John Whiting Award 2009).
NATIONAL THEATRE FUTURE update
Fundraising for the NT Future redevelopment project has now passed £65m,
following the launch of an audience appeal and a £2.5m grant from the Heritage
Lottery Foundation. The first phase of construction work – a new production centre,
the refurbishment of the Cottesloe (which closed in February and will re-open in
spring 2014 as the Dorfman Theatre), and the creation of the Clore Learning Centre
– has begun. The project is scheduled for completion at the end of 2014; the
National Theatre will remain open throughout the redevelopment.
A Platform on 22 April at 6pm offers the chance to learn about the redevelopment
plans first-hand from the project’s leaders (see page 10).
Contact: Lucinda Morrison on 020 7452 3232; lmorrison@nationaltheatre.org.uk
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PRODUCTION AND CASTING UPDATES
The full cast for Howard Davies’ production CHILDREN OF THE SUN by Maxim
Gorky, in a new version by Andrew Upton, opening in the Olivier Theatre on 16 April
as part of the Travelex £12 Tickets season, is: Lucy Black, Steven Blake, Matthew
Flynn, Florence Hall, Jonathan Harden, Lucas Hare, Matthew Hickey, Paul Hickey,
Paul Higgins, Gerald Kyd, Gemma Lawrence, Emma Lowndes, Maggie McCarthy,
Justine Mitchell, Gerard Monaco, Anna O’Grady, Rhiannon Oliver, Geoffrey
Streatfeild, Stephen Wilson and Karren Winchester.
Nicholas Hytner directs Shakespeare’s OTHELLO, opening in the Olivier Theatre on
23 April. Adrian Lester plays the title role, with Rory Kinnear as Iago; the full cast is:
Jonathan Bailey (Cassio),Sandy Batchelor, Adam Berry, David Carr, William Chubb,
Robert Demeger, Jonathan Dryden Taylor, Gabriel Fleary, Rokhsaneh GhawamShahidi, Scott Karim, Rory Kinnear (Iago), David Kirkbride, Adrian Lester (Othello),
Lyndsey Marshal (Emilia), Tom Radford, Tom Robertson, Nick Sampson, Chook
Sibtain, Rebecca Tanwen, Olivia Vinall (Desdemona)and Joseph Wilkins.
PLATFORMS
An eclectic programme of talks, discussions and interviews, offering the chance to
learn more about the National’s work and the arts in general.
6pm (45 mins), £4/£3 unless stated; BS = Platform followed by booksigning
Maxim Gorky: ‘Bitter’ Realist?
Thu 18 April, Lyttelton
Cynthia Marsh looks at Gorky’s theatre work, including Children of the Sun, chiefly
written during his brief imprisonment for revolutionary activity in 1905. Chaired by
Dan Rebellato.
NT Future
Mon 22 April, Lyttelton
A chance to learn about the National’s £70m redevelopment plans first-hand from the
project’s leaders: Nick Starr (NT Executive Director), Lisa Burger (NT Chief
Operating Officer) and Paddy Dillon (Associate Director, Haworth Tompkins).
Chaired by Paul Gambaccini. Free, booking essential.
Nicholas Hytner on Othello
Thu 25 April, 5.45pm, Olivier
The director discusses his new production of Othello.
Peter Brook
Mon 29 April, Lyttelton BS
Peter Brook talks to Mark Lawson about his new book, The Quality of Mercy, a
collection of essays reflecting his lifelong interest in interpreting Shakespeare’s works
for contemporary audiences.
Neil MacGregor
Thu 2 May, 5.45pm, Olivier BS
In Shakespeare’s Restless World, the Director of the British Museum explores 20
objects – from the Salcombe treasure of Moroccan gold coins to the battered trunk of
a probably fake pedlar – and weaves their histories into the words of the plays, to
suggest where Shakespeare’s ideas about religion, national identity, the history of
England and the world may have originated. Chaired by Kate Mosse.
Alan Bennett and Nicholas Hytner on People
Thu 9 May, Lyttelton
The writer and the director discuss their latest collaboration, People. Sold out; day
seats and returns only.
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Gorky: Social Realist
Mon 10 June, Lyttelton, BS
Orlando Figes looks at Gorky’s political life and his relationship with Lenin and Stalin.
Rufus Norris on The Amen Corner
Thu 13 June, Olivier
The director talks about his production of Baldwin’s play.
Re: Baldwin
Tue 18 June, Olivier
Bonnie Greer and Daniel Matlin discuss the work of the novelist, essayist, playwright
and poet James Baldwin, his involvement in the Civil Rights movement, and his role
in African-American culture and identity.
Simon Godwin on Strange Interlude
Mon 24 June, 5.30pm, Lyttelton
The director talks about his production of O’Neill’s play.
Re: O’Neill
Thu 4 July, 5.30pm, Lyttelton
Christopher Bigsby looks at Eugene O’Neill’s influences and his legacy, and how his
play, Strange Interlude, fits in to the canon of 20th-century American drama.
Othello on Screen
Fri 5 July, 5.45pm, Olivier
Daniel Rosenthal uses film clips to explore screen Othellos, from Olivier with the
original text, to the Moor reinvented as US high-school basketball star.
Connections Writers’ Forum
Mon 8 July, Lyttelton
Acclaimed playwrights Howard Brenton, Jim Cartwright, Lucinda Coxon, Ryan Craig,
Stacey Gregg, Jonathan Harvey, Lenny Henry, Jemma Kennedy, Morna Pearson
and Anya Reiss discuss their new plays for young actors.
Re: Othello
Tue 23 July, 5.45pm, Olivier BS
Laurie Maguire examines the textual history of the play, its women’s roles, and how
critics and directors have responded to its explorations of racial prejudice and sexual
jealousy.
Children of the Sun In Context
Thu 18 April, 2 – 5pm John Lyon Education
Studio, £20/£15 (inc. Platform ticket)
An in-depth exploration of Gorky productions at the National, followed by the Cynthia
Marsh Platform in the Lyttelton.
Suffragettes on Stage
Tue 25 June, 2.30pm (90mins) Lyttelton, £6/£5 BS
The Actresses’ Franchise League was founded in 1908 as ‘a bond of union between
all women in the Theatrical profession who are in sympathy with the Woman’s
Franchise Movement’. With discussion, and extracts from Edwardian Suffrage plays,
this is a chance to learn about the role of theatre in the fight for Votes for Women.
Guests include Samantha Bond, Janie Dee, Maggie Gale and Naomi Paxton.
In Conversation with...
3pm (1hr), £5/£4
The regular series of interviews with members of the NT company, chaired by Al
Senter.
Adrian Lester
Mon 24 June, Olivier
Anne-Marie Duff
Thu 4 July, Lyttelton
Sharon D Clarke and Marianne Jean-Baptiste
Fri 26 July, Olivier
Rory Kinnear and Lyndsey Marshal
Thu 1 August, Olivier
Walk in the Light
A week of events, led by actor Giles Terera, honouring the rich contribution that black
artists have made to British theatre over the past 50 years. In the afternoon events,
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actors recall their favourite memories that form part of this extraordinary story. In the
evenings, theatre-makers talk about their experiences of the period.
Part 1: In the Wings... 1960 – 1980
Mon 15 July, 3pm & 5.45pm, Olivier
The 60s brought alternative and groundbreaking voices; the 70s saw flourishing
theatre writing by Matura and Soyinka, and an Arts Council subsidy for Temba
Theatre.
Part 2: Onto the Stage... 1980 – 2000
Thu 18 July, 3pm & 6pm, Olivier
The 80s saw the NT’s all-black Measure for Measure and the formation of Talawa;
the colour-blind/conscious casting debate heated up in the 90s; and the RSC cast its
first black Shakespearean king in 2000.
Part 3: Into the Spotlight... 2000 – 2013 Fri 19 July, 3pm & 6pm, Olivier
The 21st century saw prominent playwrights emerging, a black Hamlet from Paris, a
panto dame at Hackney, and a Trigorin at the Court; but many actors were lured to
Hollywood.
Part 4: Centre Stage... a Celebration Sun 21 July, 1pm (90 mins), Lyttelton, £10/£8
A unique performance capturing the 50-year journey of black theatre, through the
words, music and people at the heart of this story.
Contact: Laura Horton on 020 7452 3231; lhorton@nationaltheatre.org.uk
FREE EXHIBITIONS
www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/exhibitions
Lifework: Norman Parkinson’s Century of Style
Lyttelton Exhibition Space, 1 March – 12 May
2013 marks the centenary of Norman Parkinson’s birth. This exhibition celebrates the
work of the man regarded as the father of modern fashion photography. In
association with Corbis, the National Theatre’s Photographic Images Partner.
Vanishing Acts
Olivier Exhibition Space, 1 April – 12 May
Textile artist Lalla Ward returns to the NT with her latest works, this time inspired by
the natural world’s almost magical ability with camouflage.
High-rise
Lyttelton Exhibition Space, 3 – 30 June
Using film and stills, Peter Bobby’s work explores the relationship between the newly
burgeoning high-rise developments and the city below. Developed in partnership with
Ffotogallery, Cardiff; The Architecture Centre, Bristol and eCPR (European Centre
for Photographic Research) with support from The Arts Council.
The Press Photographer’s Year
Lyttelton Exhibition Space, 6 July – 31 August
With a thought-provoking collection of images from 2011 and 2012, The Press
Photographer’s Year returns to the NT for a seventh year. It is held in association
with The British Press Photographers’ Association and supported by Diageo.
Contact: Laura Horton on 020 7452 3231; lhorton@nationaltheatre.org.uk
PROPSTORE
3 May – 28 September
The National Theatre’s unique pop-up riverfront café-bar Propstore returns this
summer for a second year, featuring a brand new collection of props and scenery
from recent National Theatre productions. It will be open seven days a week
throughout the summer from 3 May – 28 September from 12 noon daily, serving a
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selection of delicious street-food, English wines, Meantime Brewery Fresh Beer and
Sipsmith spirits. There will be DJs and live music playing at the weekend until 2am.
The new incarnation of Propstore will include House of Commons scenery and
benches from This House, the cityscape backdrop and spiral staircase from The
Captain of Kopenick and the Victorian fireplace and mirror featured in The
Magistrate. Scattered around the bar will be a variety of props and costumes
including Luke Treadaway’s original train set from The Curious Incident of the Dog in
the Night-time and Cillian Murphy’s tape deck from Misterman.
Opening hours: Monday – Thursday 12 noon – 11pm, Friday, Saturday 12 noon –
2am, Sunday 12 noon – 6pm. Propstore returns in partnership with American
Express.
Contact Philippa Crossman on 020 7452 3236, pcrossman@nationaltheatre.org.uk
LEARNING
Discover theatre-making at the National with inspiring projects, events and resources
for all ages. nationaltheatre.org.uk/learning
For Secondary Schools and Colleges
nationaltheatre.org.uk/secondary
Othello Sixth Form Conference
4 July, 10am-4pm, Olivier
Five masterclasses on interpreting and staging the play. With Nicholas Hytner,
members of the company and Professor Tiffany Stern. £7.50 / 020 7452 3010
Introducing the Play (KS3&4) and Page-to-Stage (KS4&5) Workshops
Exploring Othello’s narrative, characters, structure and form. £150/£200 Dates on
request.
Student Workshops and preshow Q&A available for every production. KS3+.
£150/£200.
For Teachers
Active Shakespeare – CPD for English teachers
NT Studio, Fri 24-Sat 25 May £225 nationaltheatre.org.uk/teachers
Teacher Previews £5 (includes a programme and pre-show drink)
For Adults
Theatreworks
Designed by leading theatre and training professionals, Theatreworks courses
provide businesses with experiential workshops that will develop and improve
communication, rapport building and presentation skills
nationaltheatre.org.uk/ theatreworks
Income from Theatreworks supports NT Learning projects
Adult Learners Week
A series of lectures, demonstrations and practical workshops 18 – 24 May.
nationaltheatre.org.uk/learning
Digital Classroom
Online Videos Short films about productions and backstage skills.
nationaltheatre.org.uk/video
YouTube Videos about making theatre that are embeddable in VLEs including
Fronter. youtube/ntdiscovertheatre
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iTunes U for students Free videos, podcasts, interviews and background packs.
nationaltheatre.org.uk/itunesu
Interactive whiteboard resources Designed by teachers for teachers.
nationaltheatre.org.uk/iwr
NEW Greek Theatre Resources Find films about Greek theatre, Greek tragedy and
Antigone in this new collection. nationaltheatre.org.uk/greektheatre
Contact: Lucinda Morrison on 020 7452 3232; lmorrison@nationaltheatre.org.uk
ENDS
2 April 2013
Public Information:
Public booking for The Amen Corner, Strange Interlude, Liolá and Emil and the
Detectives opens on 19 April; public booking for new productions in The Shed opens
on 17 May.
Book tickets online at nationaltheatre.org.uk
Box Office: 020 7452 3000, open 9.30am – 8pm Information: 020 7452 3400
THE NATIONAL’S SPONSORS
The National Theatre would appreciate an acknowledgement in the body of the text
and/or as a separate footnote following editorial copy.
Travelex £12 Tickets sponsored by
Media partner of Travelex £12 Tickets
The National Theatre’s airline partner is American Airlines
The National Theatre is working in partnership with American Express
Innovation at the National Theatre is sponsored by Accenture
National Theatre Live is sponsored by Aviva
National Theatre Learning is supported by Goldman Sachs
The National Theatre’s partner for contemporary clothing is Hugo Boss
The National Theatre is a J.P.Morgan Signature Series partner
The Shed Partner is Neptune Investment Management
Philips and the National Theatre are working in partnership to reduce energy
consumption.
The National Theatre’s photographic images partner is Corbis
The National Theatre wishes to acknowledge its partner National Angels Limited
The National Theatre is supported using public funding by
Arts Council England.
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THE NATIONAL’S REPERTOIRE as of 2 April 2013
NATIONAL THEATRE PRESS OFFICE
Tel: 020 7452 3235 Fax: 020 7452 3230 Email press@nationaltheatre.org.uk
PLAY
PEOPLE
THEATRE
Lyttelton Theatre
On tour
PRESS NIGHT
From September
2013
CONTACT
Mary Parker
Laura Horton
THIS HOUSE
TABLE
CHILDREN OF THE
SUN
OTHELLO
BULLET CATCH
Olivier Theatre
The Shed
Lyttelton Theatre
12 April
16 April
Martin Shippen
Susie Newbery
Mary Parker
Olivier Theatre
The Shed
23 April
From 22 May
Mary Parker
Susie Newbery
STRANGE
INTERLUDE
MISSION DRIFT
THE AMEN CORNER
CONNECTIONS
THE
GRANDFATHERS
THE HUSH
ROMEO AND JULIET
LIOLÀ
HOME
UNTOLD STORIES
THE CURIOUS
INCIDENT OF THE
DOG IN THE NIGHTTIME
ONE MAN, TWO
GUVNORS
Lyttelton
4 June
Mary Parker
The Shed
Olivier
The Shed/Olivier
The Shed
7 June
11 June
3 – 8 July
9 – 13 July
Susie Newbery
Martin Shippen
Laura Horton
Laura Horton
The Shed
The Shed & tour
Lyttelton
The Shed
Duchess Theatre
Apollo Theatre
22 July
24 July – 2 August
7 August
9 August
2 April
Susie Newbery
Philippa Crossman
Mary Parker
Susie Newbery
Nada Zakula
Nada Zakula
WAR HORSE
THE DROWNED
MAN: A
HOLLYWOOD FABLE
PLATFORMS &
EXHIBITIONS
NT FUTURE
On tour
Laura Horton, NT
Theatre Royal
Haymarket
New London Theatre
Janine Shalom,
Premier
Janine Shalom,
Premier
Nada Zakula
Laura Myers, The
Corner Shop
UK tour
Secret Zone 1
location
(Punchdrunk)
From Sept 2013
Laura Horton
Lucinda Morrison
Lucinda Morrison, Head of Press: lmorrison@nationaltheatre.org.uk 020 7452 3232
Mary Parker, Senior Press Officer: mparker@nationaltheatre.org.uk 020 7452 3234
Martin Shippen,Press Manager: mshippen@nationaltheatre.org.uk 020 7452 3233
Susie Newbery, Press Officer: snewbery@nationaltheatre.org.uk 020 7452 3061
Laura Horton, Events Press Officer: lhorton@nationaltheatre.org.uk 020 7452 3231
Philippa Crossman, Press Assistant (press tickets): pcrossman@nationaltheatre.org.uk 020
7452 3236
Nada Zakula, Head of Press War Horse/Curious Incident/Untold Stories:
nzakula@nationaltheatre.org.uk 020 7452 3046
Janine Shalom, Premier: 020 7292 8330 janine.shalom@premiercomms.com;
esther.beaumont@premiercomms.com; kerry.lynch@premiercomms.com
Laura Myers, The Corner Shop: laura@thecornershoppr.com 020 7831 7657
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