Last Updated on 9 June 2021 by Showcall Editorial Team
Sonia Friedman Productions is taking J’Ouvert to Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall Nottingham and Anna X to The Lowry in Salford
West End productions of new plays J’Ouvert and Anna X at the Harold Pinter Theatre are to transfer to theatres outside London for short runs.
Yasmin Joseph’s J’Ouvert will run for five performances at Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall Nottingham from 21 to 24 July.
Joseph Charlton’s Anna X will run at The Lowry in Salford for six performances from 10 August to 14 August.
The two shows are part of Sonia Friedman Productions’ Re:Emerge season at the Harold Pinter Theatre, which also features Amy Berryman’s Walden running from 22 May to 12 June.
The season of plays, curated by SFP with director Ian Rickson, tackles urgent issues integral to rebuilding our society including structural inequality, climate change and the economics of truth in an internet age.
J’Ouvert is set during the Notting Hill Carnival in 2017 where, among the pulsating soca, dazzling colour and endless sequins and feathers, Jade and Nadine are fighting for space in a world they thought was theirs. Described as a timely reflection on the Black British experience and sexual politics of Carnival, J’Ouvert is the story of two best friends battling to preserve tradition in a society where women’s bodies are frequently under threat.
It is performed by Annice Boparai, Gabrielle Brooks and Sapphire Joy and directed by Rebekah Murrell. It features design by Sandra Falase in collaboration with Chloe Lamford, movement by Shelley Maxwell, lighting design by Simisola Majekodunmi, sound design by Beth Duke and casting by Isabella Odoffin. It was first produced by Bad Breed in co-production with Theatre503 and Tobi Kyeremateng.
Anna X focuses on Anna and Ariel who find themselves struggling to keep up with New York’s dazzling social elite, immersed in an addictive world of front-row fashion shows, private views and endless parties. How far will two outsiders go to construct the identities they want? And at what price?
The cast comprises Emma Corrin and Nabhaan Rizwan and it is directed by Daniel Raggett. It features set and video design by Mikaela Liakata and Tal Yarden, lighting design by Jessica Hung Han Yun, sound design by Mike Winship and costume design by Natalie Pryce. The play originally ran at Vault Festival in 2019, produced by Rebecca Gwyther.
THEATRE ROYAL AND ROYAL CONCERT HALL NOTTINGHAM WEBSITE
THE LOWRY WEBSITE
