An Octoroon by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins will transfer to the National Theatre in June 2018 following its extended critically acclaimed European premiere at the Orange Tree. It's directed by Ned Bennett, whose OT production of Alistair McDowall's Pomona played at the National Theatre in 2015.
The Guardian's Michael Billington called it "both infinitely playful and deeply serious and which dazzlingly questions the nature of theatrical illusion… an extraordinary play that defies categorisation and that proclaims Jacobs-Jenkins as an exciting new dramatist". Matt Trueman said it was "a dazzling deconstruction of racial representation" (WhatsOnStage) and "Ned Bennett meets the audaciousness of the writing with a reckless bravura all his own” (Matt Wolf, New York Times).
Artistic Director Paul Miller and Executive Director Sarah Nicholson said “Producing An Octoroon has been a hugely exciting adventure for us and during its packed out run at the Orange Tree it provoked and delighted thousands of people, sparking many debates. We are therefore thrilled that the adventure continues at the National Theatre, where many more will be able to experience Ned Bennett’s wildly inventive production of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ uniquely brilliant play."
Full details including exact dates and booking information will be confirmed in 2018.
