Zinnie Harris to adapt The Duchess of Malfi for #MeToo generation

The Lyceum in Edinburgh will host the world premiere of Scottish playwright Zinnie Harris' adaptation of John Webster's 17th century play The Duchess of Malfi.

Renamed The Duchess (of Malfi), the new version will run at the Lyceum from 17 May to 8 June 2019 and will be reworked to 'celebrate the defiant, fiercely independent Duchess'.

Talking about the production, Harris said: "In this #MeToo age of feminist uprising in the face of toxic masculinity, now feels like the perfect time to revisit this incredible, brutal story of female determination in the face of patriarchal power.

"It's an honour to be revisiting John Webster's play as both a writer and director. The Duchess is an unapologetic, fearless character, and I'm excited to be bringing her to life for Lyceum audiences, next year."

Harris' other acclaimed adaptations include The Oresteia, This Restless House and more recently (The Fall of) The Master Builder and Rhinoceros.

The show features in the Lyceum's 2018/19 season which also includes Twelfth Night, Cyrano de Bergerac, Wendy and Peter Pan and Touching the Void. Local Hero, the theatre's co-production with the Old Vic, has announced creatives including director John Crowley. It will also have design by Scott Pask, lighting by Paule Constable, sound by Paul Arditti, video by Luke Halls, music supervision by Dave Milligan, music direction by Phil Bateman and casting by Will Burton.