Stars of stage and screen Cate Blanchett and Stephen Dillane will perform at the National Theatre in January 2019 in a new play directed by Katie Mitchell.
Penned by Martin Crimp, whose previous works include Attempts On Her Life and In The Republic Of Happiness, the production marks Blanchett’s National Theatre debut, and Dillane’s first performance there since 2002.
When We Have Sufficiently Tortured Each Other (Twelve Variations On Samuel Richardson’s Pamela) uses Richardson’s novel as a provocation to cut through contemporary debate, exploring the fluid, complicated roles that men and women play.
Shedding light on the messy, often violent nature of desire, the play sees five characters act out a dangerous game of sexual domination and resistance.
Its director Mitchell returns to the National Theatre following a sold out production of Cleansed in 2016. Of the show, Katie said: “It’s great to be working with Martin again on this powerful new text and to continue my special collaboration with Stephen Dillane.
“At the same time I’m delighted to welcome Cate Blanchett to the National, and look forward to developing a new working relationship with this extraordinary actor.”
Blanchett’s internationally acclaimed career has seen her collect numerous Academy Awards, Golden Globes and BAFTA Awards. Her last London stage appearance came as part of the London 2012 Festival during the Cultural Olympiad. Dillane, meanwhile, recently took to the Donmar Warehouse stage in Brian Friel’s Faith Healer, and was acclaimed for his role in Game Of Thrones.
More information is set to be announced by the National Theatre in due course.