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Young Vic Revives Lawrence's Daughter, 12 Sep

The Young Vic launches its autumn/winter season with the first major London revival of DH Lawrence's 1912 play The Daughter in Law, nearly 35 years after it was first seen at the Royal Court. Directed by Young Vic artistic director David Lan, the all-new production opens on 12 September (previews from 5 September) and continues to 12 October 2002.

Though the play was revived at Richmond's Orange Tree Theatre in 2001, it hasn't been seen on a major London stage since Peter Gill directed the world premiere as part of a Lawrence trilogy in 1968. Gill's trilogy - comprising The Collier's Friday Night, The Daughter in Law and The Widowing of Mrs Holyroyd - marked the first public performances for the three pieces, though they had been written in 1906, 1912 and 1914 respectively.

Set during the miners' strike of 1912, The Daughter in Law revolves around newly married Minnie who discovers her husband Luther has made another woman pregnant. Minnie struggles to untangle Luther not only from her rival but also from the apron strings of his formidable mother.

In the Young Vic production, Anne-Marie Duff will play Minnie. Duff's recent theatre work includes her Olivier-nominated role for Best Supporting Actress in Collected Stories, Cordelia in the National's King Lear and Nora in Shared Experience's production of A Doll's House.

Majorie Yates (who plays the mother) appeared opposite Penelope Keith in the recent West End production of Star Quality. Her film and TV work includes Sons and Lovers, Great Expectations and A Very British Coup. Also in the cast are Annette Badland (Dr Faustus, Little Voice, Matthew Dunster and Paul Hilton.

Though DH Lawrence is best known as the author of such controversial, early 20th-century novels as Women in Love, Sons and Lovers and Lady Chatterley's Lover, he also authored numerous plays. In addition to those mentioned, these include The Married Man, David and Touch and Go.

Director Lan's recent highly acclaimed productions at the Young Vic have included sell-out Dr Faustus E8821016536731 starring Jude Law and Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun. The Daughter in Law is designed by Francis O'Connor with lighting by Matthew Richardson.

- by Sarah Beaumont

TO WIN TICKETS TO THE DAUGHTER IN LAW, PLEASE CLICK HERE. COMPETITION ENDS 6 SEPTEMBER 2002.

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