The National Theatre has announced their new schedule covering Jan. 14 January to March 9, 2002. Bookings for all shows open Dec. 17.

Harold Pinter's Monologue will play at the National's Cottesloe Theatre for five performances only Jan.14-24: "I think I'll nip down to the games room. Stretch my legs. Have a game of ping pong. What about you? Fancy a game? How would you like a categorical thrashing?"

Syringa Tree, written and performed by Pamela Gien, will open at the National's Cottesloe Theatre on Feb. 14, with previews from Feb. 9. Gien relays a moving story of the abiding love between two families - one black, one white - and the two children born into their shared household in South Africa in the early 1960s. The play follows both families through four generations, from early apartheid to the present day South Africa.

Sebastian Barry's Hinterland opens at the National's Cottesloe on March 4, with previews from Feb. 28. This is the story of Johnny Silvester, father of the nation, who in his heyday won the hearts and votes of Ireland. Now, he finds himself revisited by a dubious past. The production is being directed by Max Stafford-Clark and the cast includes Kieran Ahern, Phelim Drew, Anna Healy, James Hayes, Patrick Malahide, Lucianne McEvoy. Moliere's Tartuffe, in a new translation by Ranjit Bolt, opens at the National's Lyttelton Theatre on March 5, with preview from Feb. 23. Tartuffe is a religious hypocrite who, due to his apparent piety, has ingratiated himself into the home of Orgon and his mother, who believe he will set a good example for the rest of the family. The rest of the family, however, can see through the impostor. The production, directed by Lindsay Posner, will star Martin Clunes.

South Pacific, opening on Dec. 12 at the National's Olivier Theatre, and No Man's Land, opening Dec. 6 at the National's Lyttelon Theatre, will continue their runs during this period.

For further information call the National Theatre box office on 020 7452 3000.

—by Theatrenow