John Major's Rise to PM Hits Stage
A new play about the former UK leader's journey to power is one of eight world premieres in the National Theatre's new season, which explores political upheaval and global conflict
The National Theatre in London has announced a new season featuring a play about John Major's rise to power, among other world premieres. The play, written by James Graham and directed by Jeremy Herrin, will premiere next year and chart Major's emergence from a relatively obscure whip to prime minister.
The season includes a total of eight world premieres, with a focus on political upheaval and global conflict. One of the other plays, The Great Indaba, written by Moira Buffini and directed by Indhu Rubasingham, dramatises a 1997 meeting in South Africa involving Nelson Mandela's new national unity government and political rivals from Northern Ireland.
Another new play, Samira, by Carmen Nasr, is set during the Arab Spring and will be directed by Emily Burns. The season also includes a new British musical called Glorious Madness, featuring songs by Joan Armatrading, and a stage adaptation of Bernardine Evaristo's novel Mr Loverman, directed by Paulette Randall.
## What's in the season The National Theatre's director, Indhu Rubasingham, said the programme would examine “the perspectives, cultures and conflicts that continue to shape our world”. The season includes a range of modern classics and 20th-century works, as well as new plays and musicals.
## Why it matters The new season at the National Theatre reflects the current global climate of political upheaval and conflict. By exploring these themes through a range of plays and musicals, the theatre aims to provide a platform for discussion and reflection on the issues that shape our world. With its focus on recent political history, the season is likely to resonate with audiences and spark important conversations.
The theatre company Punchdrunk will also open a new immersive production called Ghostlight, conceived and directed by Felix Barrett, as part of the season. With its diverse range of productions, the National Theatre's new season promises to be an exciting and thought-provoking exploration of the world we live in today.
