Anne Washburn Libros

Anne Washburn (The Twilight Zone, Mr Burns) returns to the Almeida with a sinister and sensational new play, directed by Almeida Artistic Director Rupert Goold.

Set during the intense tech rehearsals of a play, this work offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creative process. Readers experience the dynamics among a diverse group of fourteen theater professionals, from the sound designer to the director, as they navigate the chaos and challenges of production. Anne Washburn's observations reveal the transformative nature of collaborative work, highlighting both its shaping and distorting effects on individuals. This insightful exploration blends humor with the realities of theater life.

Mr Burns will be directed at the Almeida by Robert Icke whose joint adaption of Orwell's 1984 has seen massive success and is transferring to West End this summer. Following the success of the US run in New York in October 2013 which was met with critical acclaim:

A play of wit, romance, misunderstandings and the mysteries of communication.

Set against the backdrop of a remote Texas ranch, a group of friends reunites to grieve a long-lost companion. As they delve into shared memories, the boundaries between past and present start to dissolve, revealing deeper connections and unresolved emotions. Anne Washburn crafts a poignant narrative that examines the complexities of friendship and the enduring impact of loss, inviting readers to reflect on the ties that bind us through time.

Between light and shadow, science and superstition, fear and knowledge is a dimension of imagination. An area we call the Twilight Zone. Based on stories by Rod Serling, Charles Beaumont and Richard Matheson, adapted by Anne Washburn (Mr Burns), The Twilight Zone lands on stage for the first time in its history. Or its present. Or its future.