Rufus Norris directs Olivier Award-winning actor Chiwetel Ejiofor in Carol Ann Duffy’s new version of 15th century primal myth Everyman.

Everyman is successful, popular and riding high when Death comes calling. He is forced to abandon the life he has built and embark on a last, frantic search to recruit a friend – anyone – to speak in his defence. But Death is close behind and time is running out.

A cornerstone of English drama since the 1400s, Everyman asks whether it is only in death that we can understand our lives.

Playing the title role, Ejiofor returns to the National Theatre following performances in Romeo And Juliet and Blue/Orange, for which he received the Evening Standard Best Newcomer Award. More recently he appeared on stage in A Season In The Congo at the Young Vic and Othello at the Donmar Warehouse, the performance that earned him his Olivier Award.

In 2013, the actor received a BAFTA for his performance in 12 Years A Slave. His other screen credits include The Shadow Line, Half Of A Yellow Sun and Endgame.