Downstate at the National Theatre is a remarkable thing. An absolute masterpiece of writing, performed so sensitively and with such bravery.
‘A quietly, utterly absorbing play about child abuse’: DOWNSTATE – National Theatre
Bruce Norris, previously best known for race drama Clybourne Park takes on social taboo issues without a pause.
‘Brilliant, necessary, questioning’: DOWNSTATE – National Theatre ★★★★★
If we accept that people are widely diverse, we have to accept that paedophiles are too. Not all the same identi-monster. Moreover, if their horrifying actions pose us questions we need to think very clearly about answers.
‘Breathtaking, brave & brilliantly acted’: DOWNSTATE – National Theatre ★★★★★
At last, Rufus Norris’ National Theatre has come of age. Breathtaking, brave and brilliantly acted, Downstate is a landmark play. It’s listed as a ‘collaboration’ between NT and Steppenwolf, but the Chicago company’s prints are all over this glistening weapon.
REVIEW ROUND-UP: Downstate at the National Theatre
Love London Love Culture rounds up the reviews for Pam MacKinnon’s production of Bruce Norris’ new play Downstate at the National Theatre.
‘Challenges your thinking & reactions’: DOWNSTATE – National Theatre ★★★★★
Downstate is a challenging, difficult play with humour and wit inflected with wisdom, carefully balancing entertainment without detracting from the seriousness of the subject matter.
‘Dramatically engaging but morally troubling’: DOWNSTATE – National Theatre
Whether rehabilitation is truly possible for such serious crimes committed by sex offenders, Bruce Norris never really decides, leaving only a dramatically engaging but morally troubling outcome in Downstate at the National Theatre.
NEWS: National Theatre’s new season features Andrea Levy’s Small Island, Caryl Churchill’s Top Girls & Lenny Henry as Richard Pryor
Rufus Norris has unveiled the National Theatre’s plans for 2019 and beyond. Highlights include the world premiere of Small Island adapted by Helen Edmundson from Andrea Levy’s novel, directed by Rufus Norris.