Al Smith’s epic new play is a brutally comic exploration of risk, delusion and power.
“You don’t tell an American to turn off their light; you build them a better light bulb.”
Three worlds collide on a Bolivian salt flat.
A leading doctor, who has travelled from the UK, believes she can save the NHS, solve the British mental health crisis, and advance her career.
A Silicon Valley billionaire, who has been watching the site from his satellites, believes he can save the world building affordable electric cars, and make millions of dollars in the process.
And the indigenous community, who have preserved the land for generations, believe both visitors have propositions that could transform their futures.
Each pursue their own ambitions, but which is the greatest good?
Al Smith returns to the Royal Court following Harrogate, for which he was nominated Most Promising Playwright (Evening Standard Theatre Awards). He first worked with the theatre as a participant of a Royal Court Writers’ Group where emerging writers are given space and support to develop. Royal Court Associate Director Hamish Pirie directs.
Rare Earth Mettle has been generously supported with a lead gift from Charles Holloway.
Further support has been received from the Cockayne Grant for the Arts, a donor advised fund of The London Community Foundation. This play is a recipient of an Edgerton Foundation New Play Award.
Post-show Talk Tue 23 Nov
A Q&A with writer Al Smith. This event is free with a ticket to that evening’s performance.
Jerwood Theatre Downstairs
Mon – Sat: 7.30pm
Thu & Sat matinees: 2.30pm (from 18 Nov)
The production will be performed in line with all official government guidelines in place at the time. We will adhere to our Covid safety policies to ensure your experience is as enjoyable as possible. Find more information about our reopening here.
Access Performances
Captioned: Wed 1, 8 & 15 Dec
Audio Described: Sat 11 Dec at 2.30pm (Touch Tour 1pm)
Relaxed Environment: Sat 4 Dec at 2.30pm
Trigger warnings for productions
The Company
Choose a date
Mon 15 Nov 7.30pm
All seats for this performance are £12 and will be released online at 9am on the day of the show.
Mon 22 Nov 7.30pm
All seats for this performance are £12 and will be released online at 9am on the day of the show.
Mon 29 Nov 7.30pm
All seats for this performance are £12 and will be released online at 9am on the day of the show.
Sat 4 Dec 2.30pm
This performance will be presented in a Relaxed Environment.
Mon 6 Dec 7.30pm
All seats for this performance are £12 and will be released online at 9am on the day of the show.
Mon 13 Dec 7.30pm
All seats for this performance are £12 and will be released online at 9am on the day of the show.