Full casting has today been announced for the National Theatre’s verbatim production My Country; A Work In Progress, delving into the reflections of a nation fragmented by last year’s EU referendum.
Casting for My Country; A Work In Progress includes: Seema Bowri, Cavan Clarke, Adam Ewan, Laura Elphinstone, Penny Layden, Stuart McQuarrie and Christian Patterson.
In the days following the result, the National Theatre began a nationwide listening project. A team of interviewers spoke to people around the country – from Leicester to Derry/Londonderry and Merthyr Tydfil to Glasgow – to hear their views of the country and towns they live in, their lives, their future, and the referendum.
My Country; A Work In Progress puts those conversations centre stage. Rufus Norris, Director of the National Theatre, collaborates with Carol Ann Duffy, Poet Laureate, to create this new production which opens at the National Theatre’s Dorfman Theatre in London before playing at thirteen venues across the country, including another London run at Theatre Royal, Stratford East, as well as one international venue.
Director of the National Theatre Rufus Norris said: “One of my ambitions for the National Theatre is to make it truly national and through collaboration, embrace the creativity and opinion around the UK.
“The Brexit vote unleashed a host of questions about our country, way beyond the issue of Britain’s role in Europe. It articulated a deep disaffection. Those elements provoked a need and opportunity to create a piece of theatre that responds to that palpable sense of frustration and disillusionment. Art has always responded to what is happening now and it’s what I hope we achieve with My Country.”
My Country; A Work In Progress plays at the Dorfman Theatre from 28 February until 22 March, before going on to tour in the United Kingdom and Holland from 27 March-1 July.
To book your tickets, visit the venue’s website.