Dara, adapted by Tanya Ronder from Shahid Nadeem's play that originally premiered by Pakinstan's Ajoka Theatre, will begin performances Jan. 20, 2015, prior to an official opening Jan. 27 in the Lyttelton Theatre, for a run in rep through April 4.
According to press materials, the play is an intense domestic drama of global consequence. Set in Mughal India in 1659, it revolves around two brothers, whose mother’s death inspired the Taj Mahal, who are heirs to this Muslim empire. Now they fight ferociously for succession. Dara, the crown prince, has the love of the people – and of his emperor father – but younger brother Aurangzeb holds a different vision for India's future. Islam inspires poetry in Dara and puritanical rigour in Aurangzeb. Can Jahanara, their beloved sister, assuage Aurangzeb's resolve to seize the Peacock Throne and purge the empire?
The production is directed by Nadia Fall, and the cast includes Nathalie Armin, Rudi Dharmalingam, Vincent Ebrahim, Ranjit Krishnamma, Anjli Mohindra, Anneika Rose, Chook Sibtain and Anjana Vasan.
Sam Holcroft's Rules for Living will begin performances March 13 in the Lyttelton Theatre, prior to an official opening March 24. Marianne Elliot, currently represented in the West End and on Broadway by her production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, will direct.
According to press materials, everyone creates their own coping strategies or rules for living. But what happens when an extended family gathers in the kitchen for a traditional Christmas and they each follow those rules, rigidly? In this play, the family does just that. And when the instructions are there for all to see, audience included, there’s really no place to hide. As long-held mechanisms for survival are laid bare, even Mum, who’s been preparing this lunch since last January, becomes embroiled. Long-held rivalries and resentments will out. Accusations fly, relationships deconstruct, the rules take over. Man and Superman will begin performances Feb. 17, prior to an official opening Feb. 25 in the Lyttelton Theatre. It will be broadcast as part of NT Live May 14.
Ralph Fiennes returns to the National, where he most recently was seen in the title role of Oedipus, to play Jack Tanner, a celebrated radical thinker and rich bachelor, in Shaw's play. Simon Godwin's production will also feature Tim McMullan and Indira Varma.
Further casting has also been announced for the previously announced production of Treasure Island, which begins performances Dec. 3 prior to an official opening Dec. 10 in the Olivier Theatre, with a NT Live broadcast Jan. 22. Arthur Darvill, who has previously appeared in the West End and on Broadway in Once, will make his NT debut as Long John Silver.
The cast also includes Daniel Coonan, Claire-Louise Cordwell, Paul Dodds, Heather Dutton, Patsy Ferran, Nick Fletcher, Joshua James, Helena Lymbery, Alexandra Maher, Alastair Parker, Tim Samuels, David Sterne, Ben Thompson, Zubin Varla and Roger Wilson.
Public booking for Man and Superman and Dara opens Oct. 23 and for Rules for Living Nov. 26.
To book tickets, contact the box office on 020 7452 3000 or visit nationaltheatre.org.uk.
