Hangmen director Matthew Dunster has joined Shakespeare’s Globe as Associate Director. The Globe regular joins today as Emma Rice also officially begins in the role of Artistic Director Designate.
Dunster is the first appointment of Rice’s tenure, though the incoming custodian of the Bankside institution does not take over from Dominic Dromgoole until 23 April 2016.
Dunster, who scored a huge hit with Martin McDonagh’s latest play Hangmen when it opened earlier in the year at the Royal Court, prompting a West End transfer, has previously staged productions including The Frontline, Dr Faustus and The Lightning Child at the Globe.
Speaking about the appointment, Rice said: “Matthew Dunster is not only one of the best directors in the country, but also an artist of great knowledge, integrity and generosity. Beloved by staff, actors and audiences alike, he is a thrilling appointment and I look forward to the many adventures we will have as we open this next chapter for Shakespeare’s Globe.”
Rice’s first season as Artistic Director of the iconic theatre, in which Dunster will undoubtedly have a hand, will be announced on 5 January.
Before then Dromgoole’s final season of programming is staged at the Globe’s indoor space, the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. Among the shows being staged this winter are a quartet of Shakespeare’s later plays, Pericles, Cymbeline, The Winter’s Tale and The Tempest.