Hoffman to Direct London Premiere of Upton's Riflemind
By Mark Shenton
08 Aug 2008
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Philip Seymour Hoffman
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| photo by Aubrey Reuben | Academy Award winner Philip Seymour Hoffman will direct the London premiere of Andrew Upton's Riflemind — starring John Hannah and Paul Hilton — which is scheduled to begin previews at the West End's Trafalgar Studios Sept. 15 prior to an official opening Sept. 18.
The production marks the launch of a new chapter of an international collaboration for the venue: The Sydney Theatre Company – whose joint artistic directors are Upton and his wife, actress Cate Blanchett – will become an Associate Company of the venue, and the two will jointly develop new work.
Riflemind originally premiered in Sydney last year. Upton's version of Gorky's Philistines was seen at Britain's National Theatre last year.
Hannah and Hilton will be joined onstage by original Australian cast members Susan Prior, Steve Rodgers and Jeremy Sims. Set around the reunion of an iconic rock band called Riflemind, 20 years after their frontman John (played by Hannah), supposedly walked off for good, the band descend on John's country manor for the weekend. For John, a reunion might represent a second chance; for his wife Lynn (Prior), it could be end of the world as she knows it. The weekend becomes a test of talent, friendship and loyalty.
Hannah was last seen on the London stage in the Almeida Theatre's British premiere of Neil LaBute's The Mercy Seat, and the Young Vic's production of Miss Julie. He is best known for his roles in "Four Weddings and a Funeral" and "Sliding Doors," and he is co-starring with Brendan Fraser in "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor." His television credits include starring roles in "Rebus" and "Cold Blood."
Hilton was recently seen in the Almeida's production of Ibsen's Rosmersholm; other credits include The Wild Duck at the Donmar Warehouse and Mourning Becomes Electra at the National. His television credits include "Medieval Heist" and "True Dare Kiss."
Seymour Hoffman is co-artistic director of the LAByrinth Theater Company in New York, for whom he has directed the world premieres of four plays by Stephen Adly Guirgis, The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, Our Lady of 121st Street, Jesus Hopped the 'A' Train and In Arabia, We'd All Be Kings. His production of Jesus Hopped the 'A' Train was presented at the 2001 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, winning a Fringe First Award, and was subsequently seen at London's Donmar Warehouse before transferring to the Arts Theatre. He is best known as a screen and stage actor, whose forthcoming film appearances include "The Boat That Rocked," "Synedoche, NY" and "Doubt." He won an Oscar for his role in "Capote."
For tickets contact the box office at 0870 060 6632 or visit www.theambassadors.com/trafalgarstudios.
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