Doran, who is currently the company's chief associate director, recently directed David Edgar's Written on the Heart that transfers to the West End's Duchess Theatre in April. He is also directing a new production of Julius Caesar that will come to the West End's Coward Theatre in the summer, following a run at Stratford-upon-Avon from May 28, as part of the World Shakespeare Festival.
In a press statement, Doran commented, "I am delighted to be appointed as artistic director of this great company. I joined the RSC 25 years ago, first as an actor, then as assistant director and then chief associate, so I guess if my appointment represents something, it represents a long term commitment to the disciplines and craftsmanship required to do the astonishing plays of our 'Star of Poets,' William Shakespeare. Michael Boyd and Vikki Heywood have done an exceptional job in the last decade, rebuilding the theatre and reasserting the principles of ensemble and collaboration, which I hope to continue and extend. My first task is to assemble an exciting new artistic team, with whom I shall start planning the Company’s future from 2014."
Boyd added, "This is fantastic news and I'm very pleased to be leaving the Company in such good hands. I know this is a choice which will be wholeheartedly welcomed by our staff, artists and audiences. I have been fortunate to work with Greg as an associate director throughout my leadership of the RSC. He is a first rate director, and nobody knows and loves the company more than him. I will be programming work for 2013 over the course of the summer, in order to allow him breathing space to plan for the future. I wish him every good fortune in a role which I have been lucky enough to undertake over the last decade."
The RSC's chairman Nigel Hugill led the selection panel for the recruitment, which included RSC Deputy Chairman Lady Sainsbury of Turville CBE and Board members Gilla Harris, Baroness McIntosh of Hudnall and David Tennant. Sir Richard Eyre acted as external adviser, and the selection process involved extensive consultation, including discussions with actors, directors, designers and current RSC staff. Hugill commented, "We had a strong field of candidates from which to choose, but it was absolutely clear that Greg brings a real passion and vision for the future of the Company, as well as providing the continuity to build on the considerable achievements of Michael Boyd. I am absolutely delighted that he has accepted the challenge to lead the RSC forward into its next decade."
Executive director Vikki Heywood has also previously announced her intention to stand down from the post. The recruitment process for that post is ongoing, with an announcement expected in April.
