This year, Hamish Pirie, Abbey Wright and Paul Hart will respectively stage the world premiere of Tim Price's Salt, Root and Roe and revivals of Conor McPherson's Dublin Carol and Sartre's Huis Clos respectively.
In a press statement, Donmar artistic director Michael Grandage commented, "Encouraging and nurturing directors of the future has been an important part of the Donmar's work since the Resident Assistant Director's scheme started over fifteen years ago. It has produced many important directors including my successor, Josie Rourke, who takes over as Artistic Director next year. I am delighted to announce today the second residency at Trafalgar studios following the success of last year's Olivier-nominated inaugural season. This three year commitment will see nine emerging directors create work with young designers and offer audiences the opportunity to engage with challenging and exciting work outside our Covent Garden home."
Salt, Root and Roe will launch the season, beginning performances Nov. 10 prior to an official opening Nov. 14, for a run through Dec. 3. Hamish Pirie, who was resident assistant director at the Donmar in 2006 where he assisted Michael Grandage on three productions as well as Tom Carins, Thea Sharrock and Josie Rourke, will direct Tim Price's new play, which is described in press materials as a tale of love and family set against the mythical backdrop of North Pembrokeshire. Twins Iola and Anest remain devoted to each other. Ageing fast, and with the time they have together more fragile by the day, they arrive at a desperate decision. Word of this reaches Anest's daughter Menna, who rushes to her long abandoned childhood home where her own ideas of love and compromise are tested to the limit.
It is followed by Abbey Wright's new production of Conor McPherson's Dublin Carol, beginning performances Dec. 8, prior to an official opening Dec. 12, for a run through Dec. 31. Wright was the resident assistant director at the Donmar from 2008-09, working with Michael Grandage, Sean Holmes, Peter Gill, Jamie Lloyd, Alan Rickman, Jeremy Herrin and John Tiffany.
Finally, Paul Hart will direct Jean Paul Sartre's Huis Clos in a translation by Stuart Gilbert, beginning performances Jan. 5, 2012, prior to an official opening Jan. 9 for a run through Jan. 28. Hart was resident assistant director at the Donmar in 2009, working with Michael Grandage, Douglas Hodge, Kfir Yefet, Rob Ashford and Jonathan Munby. Tickets will go on sale from July 4. To book tickets, contact the box office on 0844 871 7632, or visit www.donmarwarehouse.com.
