Welcome To Thebes
A new play from dramatist Moira Buffini makes up part of the upcoming season at the Oliver National Theatre this summer, joining the likes of Danton’s Death as a depiction of political struggle in times of upheaval. Welcome to Thebes takes a classic Greek myth and transports it into the modern world, bringing a compelling story to the stage in what is going to be an anticipated world premiere. It can also boast some big name talents working to bring it to life, including the renowned director Richard Eyre, plus actors like David Harewood, Nikki Amuka-Bird and more.
The story of Welcome to Thebes focuses on Eurydice (Amuka-Bird) – the President of Thebes and the first leader brought to power through democratic means. With a popular mandate to govern, she is able to promise great things for the people of her nation, including the idea of peace, but there are things that will inevitably stand in her way. For starters, she needs the leader of the state of Athens, Theseus, by her side, but his priorities and motives lie in stark opposition to hers and pretty soon she starts to witness the horrors of mass upheaval and damning opposition.
Buffini presents a compelling work in Welcome to Thebes and it marks her latest venture for the National Theatre, having worked with them on previous production including on a play for the younger generations in 2008. Her credits include Tamara Drewe, Handbagged and Marianne Dreams amongst others.
Her work will be blessed with a true acting talent when it reaches the stage as David Harewood, who recently starred in the Laurence Olivier Award-winning play The Mountaintop, takes on the role of Theseus. Harewood has various other credits to his name, with two high profile roles as real life people – Nelson Mandela in Mrs Mandela for the BBC, and Martin Luther King in The Mountaintop. Film and television fans may also recognise him from the likes of Blood Diamond and the Doctor Who adventure The End of Time.
So with Welcome to Thebes, audiences will be able to witness a high profile and much-anticipated production under the direction of Richard Eyre. Time will tell if it becomes the popular show it is shaping up to be.
Welcome to Thebes appears on the Olivier stage of the National Theatre from from Tuesday 22nd June 2010 (previews from Tuesday 15th June 2010) to August 2010.
