Faithful adaptations will give way to classics with a modern twist, says National Theatre

‘[Classics] were more interesting for aficionados than the public. We want theatre to be for everyone’

FOR theatre purists, one of the highlights of attending a show might be seeing a production as close to the original as possible, but now the National Theatre has confirmed it is to move away from exact adaptations in favour of plays with a modern twist.

Rufus Norris, the National’s artistic director, said classics were “more interesting for theatre aficionados than they were for the general public”. At a press conference yesterday, Mr Norris and Lisa Burger, the chief executive, announced 15 new productions as well as modern twists on old favourites.

Mr Norris said: “I think if you look back over the history of the National Theatre and the balance of works that we were doing 15 or 20 years ago, there would have been a place for lesser known European classics. They were more interesting for theatre aficionados than the general public. We want this theatre to be for everyone.”

Mr Norris argued that Paradise, Kate Tempest’s adaptation of Sophocles’ Greek drama Philoctetes was still rooted in its origins. He said: “I would argue that it is a very valid Greek play. It’s got a take on it that will hopefully bring in a fresh audience as well as people passionate about Sophocles.”

However, other adaptations have had what some may deem a complete rework in order to attract a new audience such as Jack Absolute Flies Again, written by Richard Bean and Oliver Chris and based on Brinsley Sheridan’s The Rivals. While the original was set in 18th century Bath, the new production – directed by Thea Sharrock – will be relocated to the Second World War.

Meanwhile, Chekhov’s Three Sisters will not be set in a province in Russia, true to the playwright’s heritage, but in Sixties Nigeria instead.

Even more recent plays are not immune to a makeover, with the 20th century work The Visit relocating from Friedrich Dürrenmatt’s Germany to Tony Award-winning writer Tony Kushner’s post-war America. Starring Lesley Manville, the dark comedy will be directed by Jeremy Herrin.

The new programme includes a production of My Brilliant Friend, after its sold-out run at the Rose Theatre Kingston. The production, adapted from Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan novels by April De Angelis, will be directed by Melly Still

Mr Norris said he was “very pleased” to be welcoming back Still.