The return of Isango Ensemble, a revival of Once In A Lifetime, a new play from the team behind Kafka’s Monkey and a new adaptation by Conor McPherson will all play at the Young Vic later this year.
The eclectic autumn/winter season kicks off in the Young Vic’s Maria space from 3 to 24 September, where Walter Meierjohann directs Kathryn Hunter in Colin Teevan’s adaptation of Ryszard Kapuściński’s The Emperor. The world premiere from the creators of the acclaimed Kafka’s Monkey explores the downfall of a dictator through the eyes of his staff; each played by the award-winning Hunter.
McPherson’s new translation of Franz Xaver Kroetz’ The Nest follows in the Maria, from 28 October to 26 November. Directed by former Royal Court Artistic Director Ian Rickson, the play follows Kurt and Martha, two soon-to-be parents striving to provide for their child. When Kurt’s boss offers him the chance to make some easy money, his decision has ramifications for his entire community.
In the Young Vic’s Main House, Isango Ensemble, which won huge acclaim with its production of The Magic Flute, returns to Southwark with A Man Of Good Hope (6 October to 12 November). Based on Jonny Steinberg’s book, the musical piece follows a young Somalian refugee heading to South Africa to seek new opportunities. But as he arrives horrific xenophobic violence erupts sending the country and his plans into chaos.
Young Vic favourite Richard Jones (The Trial, The Good Soul Of Szechuan, Annie Get Your Gun) returns for Christmas to direct Hollywood comedy Once In A Lifetime (25 November to 14 January). Set in 1930s Hollywood, it follows a trio of struggling actors who seize the opportunity presented by the birth of talkies to launch an elocution school preparing starlets for the silver screen. Their scheme plunges them into the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, but as their responsibilities grow will the lustre last?
While casting for Once In A Lifetime is yet to be announced, casting for the summer production of Blue/Orange has been revealed. Joe Penhall’s drama, directed at the Young Vic by Matthew Xia, will star Daniel Kaluuya and Luke Norris.
Kaluuya, last seen at the Young Vic in A Season In The Congo, will play psychiatric patient Christopher who, on the eve of his discharge, causes his doctor to have reservations as he is convinced oranges are blue and his father is a Ugandan dictator.
Norris, who plays doctor Bruce, was part of the cast of the Olivier Award-winning production of A View From The Bridge.
Blue/Orange plays as part of a spring/summer season that also includes the Jane Horrocks-led If You Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Cuttin’ It and Yerma.