The production, directed by Jeremy Herrin (That Face), begins previews on the National's Cottesloe stage, Nov. 7. Opening night will be Nov. 14. According to production notes, the flawed hero of Statement of Regret is "Kwaku Mackenzie, founder of a Black policy think tank, (who) hits the bottle after his father's death. As media interest in the once dynamic Institute fades, his team grows fractious and then, disastrously, he favors a young Oxford scholar over his own devastated son. When, in a vain attempt to regain influence, he publicly champions divisions within the Black community, the consequences are shattering." Don Warrington, who appeared in the West End transfer of Elmina's Kitchen, plays the lead in Statement of Regret, the third of Kwei-Armah's works commissioned by the National.
The National's season continues with a revival of Helen of Troy directed by Katie Mitchell (Attempts on Her Life, Waves), which opens on the Lyttelton stage on Nov. 28 following previews from Nov. 21.
For more on the National's season visit www.nationaltheatre.org.uk.