Danton's Death Tickets

Georg Büchner’s “Danton’s Death” is held in high regard in the literary world, celebrated for its complex portrayal of a well known period in history and for being one of the few works of a playwright who died only two years later at the age of 23. When it appears on the Olivier stage of the National Theatre from July it is certain to turn a few heads as some big names step up to the mantle, including Michael Grandage as the director, plus renowned playwright Howard Brenton who has reworked the classic with great care. In addition to these names, “Danton’s Death” will also feature a host of performing talents, with Toby Stephens taking on the role of Georges Danton and Elliot Levey portraying his political rival Robespierre.

The two actors have both amassed a long line of credits that span London theatre, the West End, the Royal Shakespeare Company, plus film and television. Toby Stephens has appeared in West End productions like “A Streetcar Named Desire” plus movies such as “Die Another Day”, whilst Elliot Levey was seen in “The Queen”. Their appearances onstage will be vital in bringing out the compelling characterisations of complex historical characters.

In “Danton’s Death” they both take on two political heavyweights in the forms of Georges Danton and Maximilien Robespierre. The year is 1794 and the French Revolution is staged between the first and the second terrors with the guillotine already dripping with the blood of thousands. Danton is the mind that created the Revolutionary Tribunal, originally seen as vital in purging opponents from the landscape, but now seen by Danton as something that has killed too many people and left him with a tormented conscience. So in trying to undo what he has created it places him head to head with Robespierre, the highly motivated rival whose attempts to consolidate power leave Danton’s fate sealed in history.

Directing the show is the well known theatre director Michael Grandage, best known as the current Artistic Director of the Donmar Warehouse. In recent years his work with the venue has also seen him present plays in the West End when the Donmar staged a series at the Wyndham’s Theatre, including “Ivanov”, “Twelfth Night” and “Madame de Sade”. Meanwhile, his other credits have included musicals like “Guys and Dolls” and Broadway productions like “Red”.

“Danton’s Death” appears on the Olivier stage of the National Theatre from Thursday 22nd July 2010 (previews from Thursday 15th July 2010) to Sunday 22nd August 2010.