Theatre News

Michael Oakley Directs Changeling at Southwark

Winner of the 2008 JMK Young Director Award, Michael Oakley will helm Renaissance tragedy The Changeling in the main house at Southwark Playhouse from 7 November (previews from 3 November 2011).

Written by Thomas Middleton and William Rowley The Changeling follows Beatrice-Joanna’s complicated love triangle in a story of lust, prejudice, and lies. As the beautiful Beatrice desperately sorts out her affair with Alonzo and Alsemero, she seeks help in De Flores, the disfigured servant who loves her.

Considered to be Middleton and Rowley’s finest collaboration, the tragedy explores how the power of lust and love can change people until they are unrecognizeable to who they once were.

Director Michael Oakley‘s previous credits include Edward II at the BAC and a spell as trainee director in residence at Chichester Festival Theatre. Most recently he was associate director on Trevor Nunn‘s Theatre Royal Haymarket production of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead.

The Changeling, which runs until 26 November 2011, is designed by Fotini Dimou (Julius Caesar, The Crucible, The Duchess of Malfi for the RSC) with sound and composition by James Flockton (Fewer Emergencies at the Print Room).

– Natalie Generalovich