Donmar Warehouse reveals its Autumn Season

including David Harrower's Knives in Hens and Ibsen's The Lady from the Sea...

Josie Rourke, Artistic Director of the Donmar Warehouse, has announced details of the venue's forthcoming autumn season including two new productions: David Harrower's Knives in Hens and Henrik Ibsen's The Lady from the Sea.

The Donmar's production of Knives in Hens marks the first major London revival of Harrower's intense drama since its premiere in 1995. It also marks the Donmar debut of multi-award winning director Yaël Farber, who is set to helm the hauntingly poetic thriller. The cast includes Christian Cooke (as Pony William), Judith Roddy (as Young Woman) and Matt Ryan (as Gilbert).

"A ploughman and his wife live a simple existence in a pre-industrial time, until the hated local miller ensnares them in a struggle of knowledge, power and attraction."

The creative team features scenic design by Soutra Gilmour, lighting design by Tim Lutkin, sound design by Christopher Shutt and movement direction by Imogen Knight.

 Knives in Hens begins previews on 17 August 2017, before an offcial opening on 22 August and a limited engagement through to 7 October 2017.

Christian Cooke previously appeared in the Hampstead Theatre production of 'Experience.' His TV credits include "Stonemouth," "Doctor Who," "Robin Hood," and "The Chase" for the BBC, "Trinity," "Demons," "The Royal," and "Where the Heart is" for ITV and "The Promise" for Channel 4.

Judith Roddy's London theatre credits include the National Theatre productions of 'The Plough and The Stars' and 'The Silver Tassie'. Her screen credits include "The Fall," "Out of Innocence," "Love is the Drug," and "Over the Wall."

Matt Ryan has starred in the West End and Broadway productions 'Hamlet' and 'Henry V' with Jude Law, the West End production of 'Small Change,' and the Broadway production of 'Thérèse Raquin' with Keira Knightley. He is also known for his TV role as John Constantine in DC Comics' series "Constantine."

Following this, the Donmar presents Henrik Ibsen's The Lady from the Sea in a new version by Elinor Cook. After the Olivier-nominated success of One Night in Miami, Donmar Associate Kwame Kwei-Armah returns to direct Nikki Amuka-Bird as Ellida in Ibsen's classic drama which explores the themes of duty and self-determination.

"Ellida, the lighthouse-keeper's daughter, is trapped in her marriage and longs for the sea. When a former lover returns from years of absence, she is forced to decide between freedom and the new life she has made for herself."

The production also features scenic design by Tom Scutt and lighting design by Lee Curran.

The Lady from the Sea is scheduled to run from 12 October to 2 December 2017, with an official opening set for 18 October.

Nikki Amuka-Bird previously appeared in the Donmar Warehouse production of 'World Music' in 2004. Other London theatre credits include the Royal Court productions of 'God Bless The Child,' 'Birdland' and 'Love and Information,' the Hampstead Theatre production of 'The Trial of Ubu,' and 'Welcome to Thebes' at the National Theatre. She is perhaps best known for her BBC appearances on "Small Island" and "NW," with the latter earning her a BAFTA nomination.