For six weeks the Royal Court hands the keys to the building over to the playwrights to create a month and a half of plays, ideas and surprises in the Open Court Festival.

The Open Court Festival is far larger than just a simple collection of plays. There will be treats to be discovered throughout the famous Sloane Square venue, from Surprise Theatre, which audiences will attend without knowing what they have in store, to play readings by the writers themselves, and from exploration of big ideas including Sex, Death and Age to a theatrical treasure hunt involving hidden plays and headphones.

At the centre of the season are six plays, each performed for one week, that will be performed by the same ensemble, taking its inspiration from rep theatre:

11-15 June: The President Has Come To See You
by Lasha Bugadze
A comedy about cowardice and power set in a Georgia at war where the leader of the land can’t take any more so flees to hide amid his unsuspecting citizens.
Suitable for theatregoers aged 14 and older.

18-22 June: Death Tax
by Lucas Hnath
A darkly comic play in which 80 year-old Maxine is convinced as nurse has been paid to kill her before a looming tax deadline.
Suitable for theatregoers aged 14 and older.

25-29 June: Pigeons
by Suhayla El-Bushra
The tale of best mates Amir and Ashley, Pigeons explores the reality of growing up in an apparently multicultural society.
Suitable for theatregoers aged 14 and older.

2-6 July: Mint
by Claire Lizzimore
Mint is the story of Alan, who has spent the last ten years behind bars, his time measured in weekly visits. Everything will be better once he gets our, won’t it?
Suitable for theatregoers aged 14 and older.

9-13 July: Untitled Matriarch Play
by Nikole Beckwith
It’s Lorraine’s 55th birthday and she has gathered her quartet of daughters around to break some news. She is going to have another child and this time she’s determined is WILL be a son.
Suitable for theatregoers aged 14 and older.

16-20 July: Talk Show
by Alistair McDowall
A black familial comedy about Sam, who hosts a daily talk show from his bedroom in the basement, and his father and grandfather who live upstairs and barely speak. What effect will the return of a wayward uncle have?
Suitable for theatregoers aged 14 and older.

For more about the entire Open Court Festival visit the Royal Court website.