RSC with Kiln Theatre announce full casting for DRIFTWOOD
The Royal Shakespeare Company, in association with Kiln Theatre, has announced the full cast for its forthcoming production of Driftwood, a deeply evocative new play by Martina Laird, directed by Justin Audibert, which runs at The Other Place in Stratford-upon-Avon from 17 April - 30 May, before transferring to Kiln Theatre in London from 3 June.
The cast includes Shane David-Joseph (Jerusalem, West End) as Seldom, Ziggy Heath (Scenes from the Climate Era, Gate Theatre) as Tom, Martins Imhangbe (Death of a Salesman, Young Vic) as Diamond, Roger Ringrose (Witness for the Prosecution, London County Hall) as Mansion, Ellen Thomas (Eastenders, BBC) as Pearl, and Cat White (The Watsons, Menier Chocolate Factory/West End/Chichester Festival Theatre) as Ruby.
Playwright Martina Laird said: “Making my playwriting debut at the Royal Shakespeare Company and Kiln Theatre with Driftwood is both an honour and a joy. This play grew from a deep desire to explore inherited patterns, the desire for connection and self-determination, and to place Caribbean voices and histories at the centre of the story. To see these characters brought to life by such a generous and gifted ensemble, and under Justin Audibert’s direction, feels profoundly moving.”
Set in 1950s colonial Trinidad, Driftwood explores self-determination, family, belonging and the vibrant tensions of a community on the edge of change. This deeply evocative story of self-determination, family and belonging is set against the backdrop of colonial Trinidad on the edge of political independence.
Director Justin Audibert said: “I feel truly blessed to have assembled such a talented cast led by Martins and Ellen to bring Martina’s wonderfully rich and powerful debut play to audiences in Stratford upon Avon and London.”
The creative team also includes set and costume designer Sadeysa Greenaway-Bailey, lighting designer Simon Spencer, composer Christella Litras, sound designer Tony Gayle, movement director Kloé Dean, dramaturg Sebastian Born, and casting director Matthew Dewsbury CDG.