The two classics will see Carrie Cracknell, formerly of London’s Gate Theatre, directing Simon Stephens’ new version of Ibsen’s A Doll’s House and Benedict Andrews directing his own adaptation of Chekhov’s Three Sisters. The two new plays are Blackta, a debut play by actor-turned-writer Nathaniel Martello-White (who was seen at the Young Vic in The Brothers Size and Joe Turner’s Come and Gone), and Gbolahan Obisan’s Mad About the Boy, previously seen on the Edinburgh Fringe, where it won a Fringe First.
A Doll’s House will begin performances June 29, prior to an official opening July 9, for a run through July 26. Carrie Cracknell’s production will be designed by Ian MacNeil, who previously directed Vernon God Little for the Young Vic, and whose other credits include An Inspector Calls and Billy Elliot (both West End and Broadway). Cracknell is also joining the theatre to become the new Genesis Fellow at the Young Vic. Funded by the Genesis Foundation, she will work closely with artistic director David Lan and mentor directors on the Young Vic Directors Program.
Three Sisters will begin performances Sept. 8, prior to an official opening Sept. 13, for a run through Oct. 13. Director Benedict Andrews previously directed Monteverdi's The Return of Ulysses at the Young Vic in a co-production with English National Opera, for whom he is next working on Caligula in May. His Sydney Theatre Company production of Botho Strauss’ Big and Small will also come to the Barbican in March.
Mad About the Boy, which will run in the Clare studio from June 6-16, was seen at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2011. Acccording to press materials, the play is a a lyrical and timely examination of what it means to be a man today, as it tells the story of a teenage boy fighting to save his reputation, torn between the influence of his family, his friends and his school. It is directed by Ria Parry, co-artistic director of Iron Shoes.
Blackta, which will run in the Maria studio from Oct. 26 prior to an official opening Nov. 5, for a run through Nov. 17, is directed by Young Vic artistic director David Lan. The play is described in press materials as an account of the highs and lows of trying to make it as a black actor – a "blackta." Priority booking for friends of the Young Vic opens Feb. 13, with public booking from Feb. 27. To book tickets, contact the box office on 020 7922 2922, or visit www.youngvic.org.
