Adrien Brody to Make London Stage Debut in ‘The Fear of 13’ at Donmar Warehouse
Oscar-winning actor Adrien Brody is set to make his London stage debut in the world premiere of “The Fear of 13” at the Donmar Warehouse. The play, written by Lindsey Ferrentino, is based on the true story of Nick Yarris, a man who spent 22 years on death row for a crime he did not commit. This production marks a significant return to the stage for Brody, who has been searching for the right theatrical project for years.
Brody, who won an Academy Award for his role in “The Pianist” at the age of 29, expressed his excitement about the project. “I love the theatre, and although I have not been on the stage in many years, I have been searching for the right material and this was so clearly the one,” he said. The actor is drawn to the play’s powerful narrative and its exploration of systematic injustice and human resilience.
The story of Nick Yarris is both harrowing and inspiring. In the early 1980s, Yarris was charged with the kidnapping and attempted murder of a police officer following a routine traffic stop in Pennsylvania. Although he was acquitted of these charges, he became a suspect in another case while awaiting trial. Yarris, in an attempt to gain favor with the authorities, claimed to know the perpetrator of a rape and murder case he had read about in the news. However, when the man he named was found to be innocent, Yarris himself became the prime suspect.
Yarris was subsequently charged with the abduction, rape, and murder of Linda Mae Craig and was sentenced to death in 1982 at the age of 21. He spent over two decades on death row before being exonerated in 2004, thanks to re-examined DNA evidence. Following his release, Yarris wrote a memoir titled “Seven Days to Live,” which was later reissued as “The Fear of 13.” The play is also inspired by a 2015 documentary of the same name by David Sington.
Brody’s involvement in the play is a significant coup for the Donmar Warehouse and its new artistic director, Tim Sheader. Sheader, who is known for his innovative and bold programming, has included “The Fear of 13” as part of his first season at the Donmar. The production will be directed by Justin Martin, known for his work on “Prima Facie,” and will run for two months starting from October 4.
In addition to “The Fear of 13,” Sheader’s inaugural season at the Donmar Warehouse includes several other exciting productions. Celia Imrie and Tamsin Greig will star in the world premiere of “Backstroke,” a new play written and directed by Anna Mackmin. The play explores the dynamics between a mother and daughter as they navigate the pressures of work, parenting, and health crises.
Another highlight of the season is “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812,” a musical adaptation of a segment from Leo Tolstoy’s “War and Peace.” First performed in 2012, the show is set in Moscow high society and follows the impulsive and romantic Natasha Rostova as she is charmed by an aristocrat while awaiting the return of her fiancé from the front lines. Sheader himself will direct this production.
The season also features “Intimate Apparel,” written by Lynn Nottage and directed by Lynette Linton. Set in New York in 1905, the play tells the story of a woman who sews lingerie and dreams of opening her own beauty salon. The protagonist’s life takes an intriguing turn when she begins to receive beautiful letters from a lonesome stranger. Samira Wiley, known for her role in “Orange is the New Black,” will star in this production.
Sheader expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming season, stating, “I am hugely honored to be leading this very special theatre into a new era, building on the legacy of my predecessors. With all these new projects, I look forward to welcoming both loyal and new audiences to gather together in our beautiful three-sided auditorium, where connecting with artists and each other is central to every performance.”
The Donmar Warehouse has long been known for its intimate setting and high-quality productions, and Sheader’s first season promises to continue this tradition. With a mix of world premieres, classic adaptations, and star-studded casts, the season is set to attract a diverse audience and generate significant interest in London’s theatre scene.
Adrien Brody’s stage debut in “The Fear of 13” is particularly noteworthy, given his stature in the film industry and the compelling nature of the play’s subject matter. Brody’s return to the stage, combined with the Donmar’s reputation for excellence, makes this production one of the most anticipated events of the theatrical season.
As the Donmar Warehouse prepares to open its doors for this exciting new chapter, audiences can look forward to a season filled with powerful storytelling, exceptional performances, and thought-provoking themes. Whether you are a long-time theatre enthusiast or a newcomer to the Donmar, this season offers something for everyone.
Source: BBC News, The Stage
