Production photos have been released for David Edgar’s fiercely topical new play, The New Real which runs in the RSC’s The Other Place, Stratford-upon-Avon between Thursday 3 October and Saturday 2 November 2024. Directed by Holly Race Roughan (Artistic Director of Headlong) this is the tenth of David’s plays to be premiered by the RSC. Photos are by Ikin Yum.
Opening just ahead of this year’s US election in a world where populist leaders are transforming the political landscape, The New Real explores the battle between mainstream politics and a new national-populist Right.
Set during presidential elections in a former communist Eastern European country, The New Real sees two American political strategists engaged in a grudge match far from home, working for competing candidates, and redrawing the political faultline. They think they’ve come to teach the East how to do elections, but is the learning the other way around? And will what they’ve learned spread to Western Europe, Britain and America? An origin story of the contemporary political scene, Edgar’s panoramic play explores the wider themes of how political and personal ideals are expressed, challenged and betrayed.
The full cast comprises: Daon Broni (Kenneth/Justin), Edyta Budnik (Natalia Bezborodko), Ziggy Heath (Oleg Sogolyev), Roderick Hill (Petr Lutsevic), Patrycja Kujawska (Liudmilla Bezborodko), Martina Laird (Rachel Moss), Jodie McNee (Caro Wheeler), Lloyd Owen (Larry Yeates) and Sergo Vares (Leonid Zhudov).
Talking about The New Real, David Edgar said:
“Following the success of Marine le Pen’s National Rally and other national-populist parties in mainland Europe, the rise of the Reform Party in Britain, and the possibility of a second Trump term, a play about the rise of national populism couldn’t be more timely. I’m delighted that the play is being premiered in Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey’s first season at the RSC, in the 50th anniversary year of The Other Place, and directed by Headlong’s groundbreaking Artistic Director Holly Race Roughan. Critic Michael Billington described the original The Other Place as the most productive tin hut in history. I’m privileged that this will be the fifth of my plays to be premiered there.”
Joining Holly on the creative team are: Set and Costume Designer: Alex Lowde; Lighting Designer: Joshie Harriette; Composer: Monika Dalach Sayers; Sound Designer: Max Perryment; Movement Director: Michela Meazza; Video Designer: Luke Halls; Dramaturg: Chris Campbell; Casting Director: Matthew Dewsbury CDG; Dialect Coach: Aundrea Fudge; Associate Video Designer: Zakk Hein; and Assistant Director: Masha Kevinovna.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
