1953. In the midst of the Cold War and with McCarthyisim at its height, the world watched as Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were sent to the electric chair for allegedly passing US atomic secrets to the Soviet Union – protesting their innocence to the last. Inspired by this haunting true story, James Phillips‘ multi-award winning play The Rubenstein Kiss (TMA and John Whiting awards for Best New Play) comes to Southwark Playhouse in its first London revival.

The Rubenstein Kiss is the story of the Rubensteins, a deeply devoted Jewish couple whose Communist idealism leads to their world being torn apart by suspicion and treachery which then echoes through the generations. Phillips’ explosive and affecting drama is the study of conspiracy, betrayal and the interrogation of guilt.

At a time when its political relevance is felt strongly in today’s polarised political climate, Joe Harmston (The Lover, The Collection, Donmar Warehouse) directs an important revival of this poignant and stunning drama.