Bean's The Heretic, beginning performances Feb. 4, 2011, prior to an official opening Feb. 10 for a run through March 19, tackles the divisive issue of climate change, questioning what we think we know and whether the science really is settled. Jeremy Herrin directs the play, which is described as a black comedy, revolving around a University academic in Earth Sciences. At odds with the orthodoxy over man-made climate change, she finds herself increasingly vilified and is forced to ask if the issue is political as well as personal. Could the belief in anthropogenic global warming be the most attractive religion of the 21st century?
Bean's previous plays at the Royal Court include Harvest, Toast, Honeymoon Suite and Whaleback, while other recent work elsewhere includes The Big Fellah for Out of Joint on tour and at the Lyric Hammersmith, England People Very Nice at the National Theatre, The English Game on tour and In the Club at Hampstead.
Simon Stephens's Wastwater, beginning performances March 31 prior to an official opening April 5, runs through May 7. Katie Mitchell directs the play, which is described in press materials as an elliptical triptych – a snapshot of three different couples who make a choice that will define the fallout of their future, set on the edges of Heathrow Airport. Harry is on the point of leaving England. Frieda knows she will never see him again. Lisa and Mark are on the point of a sexual betrayal that takes them into a place darker than they ever thought possible. Sian has a terrifying deal for Jonathan. She isn't going to take no for an answer.
Stephens has previously written Motortown, Country Music, Herons and Bluebird for the Royal Court. Other plays elsewhere include Harper Regan and the Olivier Award-winning On the Shore of the Wide World, both seen at the National Theatre, Punk Rock and Pornography.
In the Theatre Upstairs, Pedro Miguel Rozo's Our Private Life, beginning performances Feb. 11 prior to an official opening Feb. 18 for a run through March 12, looks at truth, rumour and slander in a new black comedy of twisted morality. It is translated by Simon Scardifield and directed by Lyndsey Turner. Aleksey Scherbak's Remembrance Day, beginning performances March 18 prior to an official opening March 23 for a run through April 16, looks at the politically charged tensions in modern day Latvia. It is translated by Rory Mullarkey and directed by Michael Longhurst. Tickets for the new season go on sale on Nov. 22. To book tickets, contact the box office on 020 7565 5000, or visit www.royalcourttheatre.com.
