Royal Court theatre appoints New Diorama’s David Byrne as artistic director

‘The adventure of a lifetime’ … David Byrne. Photograph: Tom Jamieson for The New York Times

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.