Spring Season 2011 Announced

PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday 16 November 2010

Royal Court Theatre January – May 2011

Royal Court writers, Richard Bean and Simon Stephens, return to the main stage in the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs

International Playwrights Season in the Jerwood Theatre Upstairs, showcasing new work by Latvian and Colombian playwrights

Simon Stephens and Katie Mitchell unite for the first time

Full cast announced for Bruce Norris’ West-End bound Clybourne Park

The Royal Court Theatre announces its new season today, including two new plays by renowned playwrights and an international season of work in the Jerwood Theatre Upstairs.

Richard Bean and Simon Stephens, who both worked extensively at the Royal Court in their early careers, will return to the main stage in the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs to present new plays.

Richard Bean’s The Heretic tackles the divisive issue of climate change, questioning what we think we know and whether the science really is settled. Simon Stephens’ reflective three-parter Wastwater sees him united with director Katie Mitchell for the first time.

In the Jerwood Theatre Upstairs, the Royal Court Theatre’s International Department will present a season of new work, including UK debuts and European premieres from Colombian Pedro Miguel Rozo and Latvian playwright Aleksey Scherbak as well as a programme of talks, readings and events to be announced. Pedro Miguel Rozo’s Our Private Life looks at truth, rumour and slander in his new black comedy of twisted morality. Aleksey Scherbak’s Remembrance Day looks at the politically charged tensions in modern day Latvia.

The full cast has been announced for the Royal Court’s West End transfer of Bruce Norris’ Clybourne Park. Directed by Artistic Director of the Royal Court Dominic Cooke, the play had a sell-out record breaking run at the Royal Court in September.

Stuart McQuarrie, as Russ and Dan and Jason Watkins as Karl and Steve will join Lorna Brown, Sarah Goldberg, Michael Goldsmith, Lucian Msamati, Sam Spruell and Sophie Thompson for Clybourne Park which transfers for a limited 14 week season, opening for previews at Wyndham’s Theatre on 28 January 2011, with press night on 8 February.

It is produced in the West End by Royal Court Theatre Productions, Sonia Friedman Productions, Old Vic Productions and Eric Abraham.

Spring programme 2011

Jerwood Theatre Downstairs

The Heretic
By Richard Bean
Directed by Jeremy Herrin
4 Feb – 19 Mar 2011
Jerwood Theatre Downstairs
Press Night, Thursday 10 February 2011, 7pm

Wastwater
By Simon Stephens
Directed by Katie Mitchell
31 Mar – 7 May 2011
Jerwood Theatre Downstairs
Press Night, Tuesday 5 April 2011, 7pm

Jerwood Theatre Upstairs

Our Private Life
By Pedro Miguel Rozo
Translated by Simon Scardifield
Directed by Lyndsey Turner
11 Feb – 12 Mar 2011
Jerwood Theatre Upstairs
Press Night, Friday 18 February 2011, 7pm

Remembrance Day
By Aleksey Scherbak
Translated by Rory Mullarkey
Directed by Michael Longhurst
18 Mar – 16 April 2011
Jerwood Theatre Upstairs
Press Night, Wednesday 23 March 2011, 7pm

Jerwood Theatre Downstairs

The Heretic
By Richard Bean
Directed by Jeremy Herrin
4 February – 19 March 2011
Jerwood Theatre Downstairs
Press Night, Thursday 10 Feb 2011, 7pm

“I’m a scientist. I don’t “believe” in anything.”

The study of climate science is the cool degree at the university where Dr Diane Cassell is a lead academic in Earth Sciences.

At odds with the orthodoxy over man-made climate change, she finds herself increasingly vilified and is forced to ask if the issue is political as well as personal. Could the belief in anthropogenic global warming be the most attractive religion of the 21st century?

Richard Bean’s new black comedy dares to question whether the science is settled. Richard’s last play at the Royal Court was Harvest in 2005. His previous plays at the Royal Court include Toast, Honeymoon Suite and Under the Whaleback. His recent work elsewhere includes The Big Fellah for Out of Joint at the Lyric Hammersmith, England People Very Nice at the National Theatre, The English Game on tour and In the Club at Hampstead Theatre.

Jeremy Herrin is Deputy Artistic Director of the Royal Court, where he is currently directing EV Crowe’s Kin. His previous productions have include Anya Reiss’s Spur of the Moment, Bola Agbaje’s Off the Endz, Michael Wynne’s The Priory, Polly Stenham’s plays Tusk Tusk and That Face, as well as the UK premiere of David Hare’s The Vertical Hour. He was formerly an Associate Director at Live Theatre Newcastle, where he specialised in directing new writing. His other credits include Marble (Abbey, Dublin), The Family Reunion (Donmar), Statement of Regret (NT), and the South African premiere of David Harrower’s Blackbird.

Director Jeremy Herrin
Designer Peter McKintosh
Lighting Designer Paul Pyant
Sound Designer Emma Laxton

Listings Information:

The Heretic
By Richard Bean
Directed by Jeremy Herrin
Friday 4 February – Saturday 19 March 2011
Jerwood Theatre Downstairs, Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, SW1W 8AS
Monday – Saturday 7.30pm
Thursday matinees 2.30pm (from 17 February)
Saturday matinees 2.30pm (from 12 February)
Press night Thursday 10 February, 7pm
Post-show Talk Tuesday 1 March
Captioned Performance Wednesday 23 February 7.30pm
Audio described performance Saturday 19 March 2.30pm

Tickets £28, £20, £12
Mondays all seats £10
Concessions £5 off top two prices* (avail. in advance for all performances until 12 February inclusive and all matinees. For all other performances, available on a standby basis on the day)
25s and under £8*
School and HE Groups of 8+ 50% off top two prices (avail. Tuesday-Friday)
Groups of 6+ £5 off top price (avail. Tuesday-Friday)
Access £12 (plus a companion at the same rate)

• ID required, not bookable online. All discounts are subject to availability.

Wastwater

By Simon Stephens
Directed by Katie Mitchell
31 March – 7 May 2011
Jerwood Theatre Downstairs
Press Night, Tuesday 5 April 2011, 7pm

“You make one decision. It stays with you. It’s like the consequences of it get into your bones.”

Wastwater unites playwright Simon Stephens with director Katie Mitchell for the first time.

Set on the edges of Heathrow Airport, Wastwater is an elliptical triptych – a snapshot of three different couples who make a choice that will define the fallout of their future.

Harry is on the point of leaving England. Frieda knows she will never see him again.
Lisa and Mark are on the point of a sexual betrayal that takes them into a place darker than they ever thought possible
Sian has a terrifying deal for Jonathan. She isn’t going to take no for an answer.

Simon Stephens’ last play at the Royal Court was Motortown in 2006. His previous plays for the Royal Court include Country Music, Herons and Bluebird His plays elsewhere include Punk Rock at the Royal Exchange, Manchester and Lyric Hammersmith, Pornography at the Edinburgh Festival, Harper Regan at the National Theatre and On the Shore of the Wide World at the Royal Exchange, Manchester.

Katie Mitchell’s recent work includes Martin Crimp’s The City for the Royal Court, After Dido for English National Opera and the Young Vic, and Pains of Youth,…some trace of her, Waves, Three Sisters and The Seagull at the National Theatre

Wastwater is a co-production with the Wiener Festwochen (Vienna)

Director Katie Mitchell
Designer Lizzie Clachan
Lighting Designer Lucy Carter
Sound Designer Gareth Fry

Listings Information

Wastwater
By Simon Stephens
Directed by Katie Mitchell
Thursday 31 March – Saturday 7 May 2011
Jerwood Theatre Downstairs, Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, SW1W 8AS
Monday- Saturday 7.30pm
Thursday matinees 3.30pm (from 14 April)
Saturday matinees 3.30pm (from 9 April)
Press night Tuesday 5 April, 7pm
Post-show Talk Tuesday 12 April
Captioned Performances Tuesday 19 April 7.30pm
Audio described performance Saturday 7 May 3.30pm

Tickets £28, £20, £12
Mondays all seats £10
Concessions £5 off top two prices* (available in advance for all performances until 9 April inclusive and all matinees. For all other performances, available on a standby basis on the day)
25s and under £8*
School and HE Groups of 8+ 50% off top two prices (available Tuesday-Friday)
Groups of 6+ £5 off top price (available Tuesday-Friday)
Access £12 (plus a companion at the same rate)

• ID required, not bookable online. All discounts are subject to availability.

Jerwood Theatre Upstairs
Our Private Life
By Pedro Miguel Rozo
Translated by Simon Scardifield
Directed by Lyndsey Turner
11 February -12 March 2011
Jerwood Theatre Upstairs
Press Night, Friday 18 February 2011 7pm

“This isn’t a village. We’ve got the largest shopping centre in the area. Now there’s somewhere people can go to watch movies, have something to eat, spend money to make sense of their lives.”

When a rumour spreads like wildfire through a Colombian village, a respectable family start to wither in the heat. As long- buried secrets begin to surface, their efforts to discern truth from slander become fused with a desire for justice.

A new black comedy of twisted morality set in modern Colombia.

Pedro Miguel Rozo is a playwright, director and telenovela writer from Bogotá, Colombia. He first worked with the Royal Court in Bogotá in 2004 and developed this play during the 2009 Royal Court International Residency in London.

Lyndsey Turner’s work at the Royal Court includes Laura Wade’s Posh, Mike Bartlett’s Contractions, Molly Davies’ A Miracle and Chronic and Ignition. She has also worked at the Royal Court as Trainee Associate Director and International Associate. Her other credits include My Romantic History at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Alice at Sheffield Theatres, Nocturnal at the Gate Theatre, The Lesson at the Arcola, Still Breathing, Hymn and What’s Their Life Got? at Theatre 503 and The Grace of Mary Traverse at LAMDA.

Our Private Life is presented as part of the International Playwrights Season: A Genesis Foundation Project

Director Lyndsey Turner
Designer Lizzie Clachan
Lighting Designer Peter Mumford
Sound Designer Carolyn Downing

Listings Information:
Our Private Life
By Pedro Miguel Rozo
Translated by Simon Scardifield
Directed by Lyndsey Turner
Friday 11 February – Saturday 12 March 2011
Jerwood Theatre Upstairs Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, SW1W 8AS
Monday-Saturday 7.45pm
Saturday matinees 3pm (from 19 February)
Thursday matinee 10 March 3pm
Press night Friday 18 February 7pm
Post-show Talk Tuesday 22 February

Tickets £20 Mondays all seats £10
Concessions*£15 (avail. in advance until 19 Feb 2011 incl. and all mats. For all other perfs, avail. on a standby basis on the day)
School and HE Groups of 8+ £10 (avail. Tue-Fri and mats)
Access £12 (plus a companion at the same rate)

• ID required, not bookable online. All discounts are subject to availability.

Remembrance Day

By Aleksey Scherbak
translated by Rory Mullarkey
Directed by Michael Longhurst
18 March – 16 April 2011
Jerwood Theatre Upstairs
Press Night, Wed 23 March 2011 7pm

“You can’t tell which ones are still fascists and which ones aren’t, since they’re all dressed up in the same uniform.”

Can you be a hero if you fought for Nazi Germany?

The Latvians who fought for the Third Reich and halted the Red Army parade as heroes every year through the streets of Riga. As a growing number of young Russians campaign to halt the ‘fascist’ march, their Latvian counterparts join the veterans in commemoration.

When teenager Anya becomes a political activist, her father’s attempts to calm the situation stirs up a storm of extremist patriotism.

Remembrance Day takes an unflinching look at the fight for the political soul of Latvia.

Aleksey Scherbak lives in Latvia and is the author of 11 plays which have been performed in Belarus, Latvia, Russia and Sweden. He developed this play as part of Royal Court’s Moscow workshops in 2008 – 2009.

Director Michael Longhurst’s previous productions include Stovepipe for HighTide with the National Theatre and the Bush Theatre, On The Beach, as part of The Contingency Plan at the Bush Theatre,dirty butterfly at the Young Vic, 1 in 5 as part of Daring Pairings at Hampstead Theatre. He was also assistant director on The Family Plays in the 2007 International Season at the Royal Court.

Remembrance Day is presented as part of the International Playwrights Season: A Genesis Foundation Project

Director Michael Longhurst
Designer Tom Scutt
Listings Information
Remembrance Day
By Aleksey Scherbak
Translated by Rory Mullarkey
Directed by Michael Longhurst
Friday 18 March – Saturday16 April 2011
Jerwood Theatre Upstairs, Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, SW1W 8AS
Monday – Saturday 7.45pm
Saturday matinees 3pm (from 26 March)
Thursday matinee 14 April 3pm
Press night Wed 23 March 7pm
Post-show Talk Tuesday 29 March

Tickets £20 Mondays all seats £10
Concessions £15* (avail. in advance until 26 March 2011 incl. and all mats. For all other perfs, avail. on a standby basis on the day)
School and HE Groups of 8+ £10 (avail. Tue-Fri and mats)
Access £12 (plus a companion at the same rate)

• ID required, not bookable online. All discounts are subject to availability.

Tickets for the new season are on general sale on Monday 22 November 2010. Tickets available online at www.royalcourttheatre.com or from the Box Office on 020 7565 5000. – ends – (16/11/10)

Notes to Editors:

For further information please contact Anna Evans in the Royal Court Press Office on
020 7565 5063 or e-mail annaevans@royalcourttheatre.com.

International Playwrights: A Genesis Foundation Project

The Genesis Foundation supports the Royal Court’s International Playwrights Programme.

To find and develop the next generation of professional playwrights, the Genesis Foundation funds workshops in diverse countries as well as residencies at the Royal Court. The Foundation’s involvement extends to productions and rehearsed readings and helps the Royal Court offer a springboard for young writers to greater public and critical attention. For more information, please visit www.genesisfoundation.org.uk.

The International Programme at the Royal Court

George Devine’s 1956 vision of the Royal Court was of a ‘truly international theatre’ and in the early years of the English Stage Company the repertoire included new plays by writers such as Samuel Beckett, Bertolt Brecht, Max Frisch, Jean Genet, Eugene Ionesco, Arthur Miller and Wole Soyinka.
Over the last fifteen years the Royal Court has placed a renewed emphasis on the development and production of international work. By 1993 the British Council had begun its support of the International Residency programme (which started in 1989 as the Royal Court International Summer School) and by early 1996 a department solely dedicated to international work had been created. A creative dialogue now exists between innovative theatre writers and practitioners in many different countries including Brazil, Cuba, France, Germany, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Palestine, Romania, Russia, Spain, Syria and Uganda. Many of these projects are supported by the British Council and since 2001 the Genesis Foundation, who celebrate their tenth anniversary in 2011. The International Department has been the recipient of a number of awards including the 1999 International Theatre Institute award and its director Elyse Dodgson was awarded an MBE in the 2010 New Year’s Honour list.

All plays submitted to the international department are read in the original language by a team of appointed readers. The department then commissions translations of plays selected for further development. The department has pioneered the use of theatre practitioners as translators and the integral involvement of the translator in the play development and rehearsal process. Many of the translations are eventually published.

Clybourne Park
For press information on Clybourne Park in the West End, please contact
Jo Allan PR on 020 7243 6176
Jo Allan: jo@joallanpr.com or 07889 905 850
Anna Dawson: anna@joallanpr.com or 07545 131 539

Royal Court Café Bar
Open weekdays 11am-late and from noon on Saturdays
Offering the best of British home-cooking, the Royal Court Café Bar is open for lunch, tea and supper. Sample menus available from www.royalcourttheatre.com.
Reservations 020 7565 5058 / foodanddrink@royalcourttheatre.com

Royal Court Bookshop
Open Monday to Friday 3-10pm, Saturday 2.30-10pm
The Royal Court bookshop offers a diverse selection of contemporary plays and publications on the theory and practice of drama. Current and recent playtexts are only £3 and staff specialise in recommending contemporary monologues suitable for auditions. The Bookshop runs a playtext subscription service and also stocks Inside Out – a comprehensive history of the Royal Court. Student and Equity discounts available.

Tickets for the new season go on sale on Monday 22 November.
Box office 020 7565 5000 or online www.royalcourttheatre.com
Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, London SW1W 8AS. Nearest tube Sloane Square, Nearest rail Victoria