The President of an Empty Room opens in the Cottesloe Theatre on June 28. Knight is a first-timer at the NT. He’s best known for writing the screenplay for the movie “Dirty Pretty Things” (and is also working on the Nicole Kidman vehicle “Emma’s War,” as well as Michael Apted’s William Wilbeforce biopic, “Amazing Grace”).

President of an Empty Room is set in a Cuban cigar-rolling factory. A senior roller proclaims a democracy, and all hell breaks loose. Opera, flamenco dancing, fights, sexual inadequacies, all come out in the chaos — as Miguel dreams of his lover, who has gone to America.

Howard Davies directs, with designs by Bunny Christie and lighting designs by Mark Henderson. Scarlett Mackmin choreographs, Paddy Cunneen is the composer, and Paul Arditti the sound designer.

The cast includes Jim Carter, Paul Hilton, Fraser James, Inika Leigh Wright, Petra Letang, Stephen Moore, Lucian Msamati, Anthony O’Donnell and Tracey Saunders. The show is scheduled to run through Aug. 27, 2005.

For more information, call (0)20 7452 3000.