Sonia Friedman Productions have announced dates for the RE:EMERGE season which will take place from the 22nd May.  

This newly announced season taking place at the Harold Pinter Theatre will be formed of new writing from emerging writers who will be working alongside some of the best known theatre makers and artists. The season has been curated by Sonia Friedman Productions with Ian Rickson – Artistic Director for the season to help tackle urgent issues integral to rebuilding our society, including structural inequality, climate change and the economics of truth in an internet age.

Supported using public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England, RE:EMERGE is set to open with Amy Berryman’s Walden set to run at the theatre from the 22nd May until the 12th June. Directed by Ian Rickson, the production is set to star Gemma Arterton, Fehinti Balogun and Lydia Wilson. This debut play tells the story of two estranged sisters who are brought together again to pick up the pieces of their rivalry.

The season will then continue with Yasmin Joseph’s new play J’Ouvert, running from the 16th June until the 3rd July. Set to star Annice Boparai, Gabrielle Brooks, Sapphire Joy and Zuyane Russell, the play reflects on the Black British experience and sexual politics of the Notting Hill Carnival. Directed by Rebekah Murrell, the production was first produced at Theatre503 in a co-production with Bad Breed and Tobi Kyeremateng.

Concluding the season, ANNA X the new play from Joseph Charlton is set to play from the 10th July until the 4th August. Starring Emma Corrin and  Nabhaan Rizwan, the play looks at how two outsiders struggle to keep up with New York’s social elite and the price they will have to pay for the identities that they want.

The RE:EMERGE season will open with socially-distanced auditoriam, helping to re-open theatres, and will be staged in a Covid safe environment following current government advice and adhering to social distancing guidelines; and in line with Society of London Theatre’s See It Safely campaign.

There is also an intention to  for all three productions to be filmed for a broadcast life, with J’Ouvert being shown on BBC Four on Monday 26 April at 10pm and BBC iPlayer as part of BBC Lights Up – a season of plays for BBC radio and TV, produced in partnership with theatres across the UK and continuing BBC Arts’ Culture in Quarantine initiative. Filming details to be announced in due course for WALDEN and ANNA X.