The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has announced its Spring 2022 programme, including a romantic comedy, two state-of-the-nation plays, and a new writing programme.
Michael Balogun and Akiya Henry will play Benedick and Beatrice in a new production of Much Ado About Nothing. Directed by Roy Alexander Weise, the production will be a futuristic take on humanity’s capacity for change, and for love. It will run at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre from 4 February to 12 March.
Gregory Doran and Owen Horsley will direct Henry VI: Rebellion, and Horsley will also direct Wars of the Roses. The productions are a fresh take on Henry VI Parts 2 & 3, telling the story of a nation in crisis and recovery that is resonant with our times today. Both of these will be shown at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, with Henry VI: Rebellion running 1 April to 28 May and Wars of the Roses running 11 April to 4 June.
In January the RSC will launch 37 Plays, a new writing project that will bring together diverse voices from across the UK. Inspired by the scope and timeless relevance of Shakespeare’s plays, the project will capture stories from across the nation. The project will run through 2022 and will culminate in an online and in-person festival in 2023.
A production of Twelfth Night is also set to tour communities across the UK. It will be co-created with the RSC’s Associate Regional Theatres and Associate Schools and will enable young people to experience Shakespeare for the first time, as both audience members and theatre-makers. Performance dates and tour locations are yet to be announced.
Erica Whyman, acting artistic director of the RSC said: “This coming Spring is a celebration of working in collaboration, with our brilliant world-class artists, regional theatre partners, our nationwide network of Associate Schools, our Youth Advisory Board, and all the audiences we serve.”
Words by Isobel Pankhurst
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Image Credit: RSC