Opening Sonia Friedman Productions’ RE:EMERGE season at London’s Harold Pinter Theatre will be Amy Berryman’s Walden (22 May-12 June 2021), followed by Yasmin Joseph’s J’Ouvert (16 Jun-3 Jul) and Joseph Charlton’s Anna X (10 July-4 Aug).
The RE:EMERGE season will create a space for new voices and fresh talent in the West End and beyond, working alongside some of the industry’s greatest theatre-makers and artists.
The collection of plays curated by Sonia Friedman Productions with Ian Rickson – artistic director for the season – tackles urgent issues integral to rebuilding society, including structural inequality, climate change and the economics of truth in an internet age. RE:EMERGE is staged with the support of public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
The season will open with socially-distanced auditoria 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.
The RE:EMERGE season includes:
- Walden, a debut play by Amy Berryman, directed by Ian Rickson (22 May-12 June, press performances: 27, 28, 29 May). Cast: Gemma Arterton, Fehinti Balogun and Lydia Wilson.
- J’Ouvert, a new play by Yasmin Joseph, directed by Rebekah Murrell (16 June-3 July, press performances: 21, 22, 23, 24 June). Cast: Annice Boparai, Gabrielle Brooks, Sapphire Joy and Zuyane Russell.
- Anna X, a new play by Joseph Charlton, directed by Daniel Raggett (10 July-4 August, press performances: 15, 16, 17 July). Cast: Emma Corrin and Nabhaan Rizwan.
There is the intention for all three productions to be filmed for a broadcast life, with J’Ouvert being shown on BBC Four on 26 April and BBC iPlayer as part of BBC Lights Up. Filming details to be announced in due course for Walden and Anna X.
