In a press statement, Josie Rourke (artistic director of the theatre who will also be directing Les Liaisons Dangereuses) commented, "One of the things that most excites me about this season is the strong leading roles for women. It is a thrill to announce a season of work that features, in plays by living writers, women of the calibre and power of Zawe Ashton, Sinéad Cusack, Michelle Dockery, Michelle Fairley, Genevive O’Reilly and Janet McTeer, who returns to the Donmar and the London stage.
"This, combined with the transfer of Phyllida Lloyd’s second instalment in her trilogy of all-female Shakespeares to New York shows a programme of work in deep conversation with the lives of women and their status as actors on our stage. We continue our commitment to bringing topical and searing new plays to the Donmar with the British premiere of Christopher Shinn’s Teddy Ferrara. I am particularly delighted that Dominic Cooke is returning to theatre and to his long-standing collaboration with Christopher Shinn to direct this production. On a personal note, I have long wanted to direct Christopher Hampton's superb Les Liaisons Dangereuses, and the cast we have drawn together is a testament to the brilliance of his play. As well as welcoming Janet McTeer back to the Donmar, I am thrilled that Dominic West will return to our stage in this production."
The season launches with Abi Morgan's Splendour, beginning performances July 30 prior to an official opening Aug. 4 for a run through Sept. 26. Donmar associate director Robert Hastie directs a cast that features feature Zawe Ashton, Sinéad Cusack, Michelle Fairley and Genevieve O’Reilly.
Set in the opulent drawing room of the Presidential Palace, a Western photojournalist awaits the return of the dictator. She is here to take his portrait. The dictator’s wife, her best friend and an interpreter wait with her. Prada shoes, vodka glasses and light fingers tap out the time. He is late, very late. The play affords a glimpse into the minds of four women as their world turns.
Morgan's recent plays include The Mistress Contract at the Royal Court, 27 for the National Theatre of Scotland and Frantic Assembly’s Lovesong. Films include screenplays for "The Iron Lady" and "Shame." Teddy Ferrera, which begins performances Oct. 1 prior to an official opening Oct. 7 for a run through Dec. 5, tells the story of a student tragedy that sends a campus into turmoil. It will be directed by Dominic Cooke in his first theatre production since leaving the Royal Court in 2013. The cast comprises Nancy Crane, Griffyn Gilligan, Oliver Johnstone, Kadiff Kirwan, Ryan McParland, Matthew Marsh, Anjli Mohindra, Luke Newberry, Pamela Nomvete and Nathan Wiley.
Les Liaisons Dangereuses will begin performances Dec. 11 prior to an official opening Dec. 17 for a run through Feb. 13, 2016. In 1782, Choderlos de Laclos’ novel of sex, intrigue and betrayal in pre-revolutionary France scandalized the world. Two hundred years later, Christopher Hampton's play version won both the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards for Best Play. Now it is revived, with Janet McTeer and Dominic West as the ruthless Marquise de Merteuil and Vicomte de Valmont, respectively, and Michelle Dockery as Madame de Tourvel.
Public booking opens June 16. To book tickets, contact the box office on 0844 871 7624, or visit www.donmarwarehouse.com.
