David Byrne, an award-winning playwright and director who has built a powerful reputation at a small studio theatre in London, is to be the new artistic director of the Royal Court.
Byrne promised to continue his risk-taking approach and “shape a rejuvenating culture” at the Royal Court, one of London’s most prestigious and influential theatres.
He succeeds Vicky Featherstone, who is stepping down early next year after more than 10 years at the theatre’s helm. She said being artistic director of the Royal Court was “one of the best jobs in the world”.
Byrne is currently artistic director and chief executive of New Diorama, considered to be one of the capital’s most vibrant and innovative theatres.
As well as supporting new creative work, it has provided free rehearsal space for thousands of actors, writers and directors. A number of its productions, including Operation Mincemeat and For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy, have transferred to the West End.
Byrne said that George Devine, the founder of the Royal Court, imagined the theatre to be where “the experimentalists of the modern era could be seen”, often “in advance of public taste”. He continued: “For over a decade at New Diorama, I’ve embraced those ideals, seeking out and supporting the boldest and most exhilarating artists so that, together, we could rewrite the theatre rule book.
“In this new role, I’m excited to continue working in service of the playwrights and artists raring to take big swings. Together, we’ll shape a rejuvenating culture from which the experimentalists of this new era are safe to take risks, can gamble like they’re never going to lose, and where audiences can glimpse the future of theatre, today.
“Becoming the artistic director of the Royal Court is an honour, a privilege, and is going to be the adventure of a lifetime. I can’t wait to get started.”
Byrne is an advocate for accessible theatre. Ticket prices at New Diorama are around £20, and it offers £3 tickets for previews to people who are unemployed or are striking. The theatre offers “babes in arms” matinees and shows especially for isolated people in the community.
Anthony Burton, chair of the Royal Court, said: “As the founding artistic director of New Diorama, [Byrne] has led it with huge success, nurturing and developing new writers and producing award winning work on international and national stages. He has a reputation for artistic excellence, creative disruption and innovation in artist support.”
According to its website, the Royal Court receives less than half of its annual income from Arts Council England. The rest comes from ticket sales, commercial activities and fundraising.
