Michael Boyd will make his Bush Theatre debut in 2016, directing a new translation of Catherine-Anne Toupin’s exploration of one woman’s crisis and darkest secrets, Right Now.
The play, which is described by the former Royal Shakespeare Company Artistic Director as “intriguing and appallingly funny”, will play from 23 March (press night 29 March) to 16 April following a run at the Theatre Royal Bath.
Right Now was originally written and performed by Québécois actor and playwright Toupin under the title A Présent at Montréal’s Théâtre la Licorne. Translated here by the Royal Court’s Literary Manager Chris Campbell, it tells the story of Alice and Ben as they settle into their beautiful new flat and discover the family across the hall hope to be more than just neighbours.
The provocative play follows the two sets of neighbours as the family – Juliette, Giles and their son Francis – begin wearing down the welcome mat with suggestions of drinks, hors d’oeuvres and dancing, leading to passionate encounters and unsettling revelations.
Talking about the 2016 production, which will travel to Edinburgh’s Traverse Theatre following its London run, the Bush Theatre’s Artistic Director Madani Younis said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with two venues who share this spirit of nurturing the best new writing from Britain and beyond on a production that will ensure that this extraordinary play will be seen by audiences in three cities. Right Now will mark the first time Michael Boyd is to direct at the Bush and we’re excited to bring his experience to Catherine-Anne’s play – a startling and audacious text that puts one woman’s crisis at the heart of its drama.”
Right Now will open at the Shepherd’s Bush venue following Tom Holloway’s Forget Me Not (8 December to 16 January) and Pink Mist (21 January to 13 February), the story of three young Bristol men deployed to Afghanistan.