Toby Jones, Kathryn Hunter, Fiona Shaw, Meera Syal and Rebecca Lucy Taylor to Star in Iranian Playwright Nassim Soleimanpour’s ‘ECHO’ Project
The U.K.’s Royal Court Theatre and LIFT (London’s International Festival of Theatre) have revealed five of the 15 actors who will perform in the world premiere of “ECHO” (“Every Cold-Hearted Oxygen”).
Olivier winners Kathryn Hunter (“Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead”) and Toby Jones (“Mr. Bates vs. The Post Office”), Fiona Shaw (“Killing Eve”), BAFTA winner Meera Syal (“Roar”) and Rebecca Lucy Taylor aka Self Esteem (“Cabaret”) will each perform this new work from acclaimed Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour (“White Rabbit, Red Rabbit”) and director Omar Elerian (“Misty”).
More from Variety
David Oyelowo, Meera Syal, Emma D'Arcy, Tobias Menzies Lead U.K. National Theatre Fall Slate
Emma Mackey Joins Vicky Krieps, Fiona Shaw in 'Hot Milk,' HanWay Films Selling in Cannes (EXCLUSIVE)
Soleimanpour is known for his unrehearsed cold reads and “ECHO” aims to push the boundaries of these. Across the three-week run, a different performer will take to the stage at each show without having a clue of what is going to be asked of them. Unrehearsed and unprepared, the script becomes their guide as they journey through the story of the playwright, connected live from his flat in Berlin.
“ECHO” will run at the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs from July 13-27. An additional 10 actors and dates for each performer will be revealed imminently.
Hunter said: “”Working with Omar Elerian on Ionesco’s ‘The Chairs’ was both hugely inspiring and challenging; a leap into the unknown; this project promises to be no less, for performers and audience alike.”
Syal added: “I had the pleasure of working with Nassim Soleimanpour on ‘White Rabbit, Red Rabbit’ and it is simply a unique theatrical adventure for both actor and audience. Delighted to be included in the next journey at the Royal Court with the extraordinary talents of Nassim and Omar Elerian. Have no idea what is going to happen – but that’s the magical buzz of this experience. Can’t wait.”
Taylor said: “Alarmingly my gut is telling me to choose interesting and challenging projects when it comes to my acting career. I am honored and terrified to be asked to be a part of this insanely special event. The fear is so loud that I know it’s the right thing to do.”
Best of Variety
Sign up for Variety’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
