Ayad Akhtar’s Disgraced, which opens at the Bush theatre next month, has been awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
The playwright’s first ever stage play, Disgraced charts the story of a happy and successful corporate lawyer who is about to land the promotion of his life. But, beneath the veneer, success has come at a price and, when he hosts a dinner party with his wife Emily, the friendly dinner-time conversation escalates into something far more damaging.
Talking about his success, Akhtar said: “It’s tough to put it into words what an honour and privilege it is to receive this award. I’m humbled and I’m also so eager to be here in London on the eve of rehearsals beginning for the new production at the Bush theatre in May. I think I might be dreaming.”
Directed by Nadia Fall with a cast including Kirsty Bushell, Hari Dhillon, Danny Ashok, Sara Powell and Nigel Whitmey, the show will play at the Shepherd’s Bush venue from 17 May to 22 June following productions at the American Theater Company in Chicago and New York’s Lincoln Center.
Artistic Director of the Bush theatre Madani Younis said: “I was lucky enough to see the production at the Lincoln Center and witness the diversity of the audience in New York that it spoke to. I knew immediately I wanted to stage a new production at the Bush theatre – it’s a perfect fit for our venue, audiences and for London – and I’m delighted that this is the opening show of our new season.”
Disgraced’s tale of ambition, culture and faith will open at the Bush theatre following Three Birds, Janice Okoh’s Bruntwood Prize-winning drama about three siblings who find themselves home alone, which plays until 20 April.