What's Happening?
Olivia Cooke, known for her roles in 'House of the Dragon' and 'Slow Horses,' is scheduled to perform in the West End production of 'White Rabbit Red Rabbit' on November 23. This theatrical experiment, created by Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour,
features a different performer each night who receives the script for the first time live on stage, without any prior rehearsal or direction. The limited run of the play at the Duchess Theatre will conclude on December 14, 2026. Other notable performers joining the final weeks include Reece Shearsmith and Jessica Hynes, with Hynes performing on November 30 and Shearsmith on the closing night. The production is presented by There & Then in association with Nica Burns and marks the inaugural production for Soleimanpour and director Omar Elerian's new theatre company, There & Then. The play, which premiered in 2011, has been performed over 4,000 times and translated into more than 25 languages, exploring themes of obedience, freedom of expression, and the relationship between performer and audience.
Why It's Important?
The participation of a prominent actress like Olivia Cooke in 'White Rabbit Red Rabbit' brings significant attention to this unique theatrical format. Her involvement, alongside other well-known actors, elevates the profile of the production, potentially attracting a broader audience to experimental theater. This engagement highlights the appeal of raw, unrehearsed performance, which challenges traditional acting methods and offers a distinct experience for both the performer and the audience. For the theater industry, particularly in the West End, securing high-profile talent for such a concept can stimulate interest and investment in innovative stage productions. It also underscores the enduring relevance of Soleimanpour's work, which was written during a period when he was unable to leave Iran, making its themes of freedom and expression particularly resonant in a global context. The success of this limited run could encourage more collaborations between established actors and experimental theater, fostering artistic growth and diverse programming.
What's Next?
Following Olivia Cooke's performance on November 23, Jessica Hynes will take the stage on November 30, and Reece Shearsmith will perform on the closing night, December 14, 2026. The conclusion of this limited run will mark the end of the 15th-anniversary season of 'White Rabbit Red Rabbit' in the West End. The new theatre company, There & Then, founded by Nassim Soleimanpour and Omar Elerian, having successfully launched with this production, is expected to continue its mission of creating bold and innovative theatre in the UK and internationally. The exposure gained from this high-profile run could lead to future projects and collaborations for the company, potentially bringing more experimental works to mainstream audiences. The unique format of the play may also inspire other theatrical endeavors to explore similar unrehearsed and interactive performance styles.
Beyond the Headlines
The 'White Rabbit Red Rabbit' production, with its unscripted and unrehearsed nature, delves into profound questions about artistic freedom, control, and the dynamic between creation and interpretation. Each performance is a singular event, never to be replicated, which emphasizes the ephemeral and immediate nature of live theater. This approach challenges the conventional expectations of both actors and audiences, forcing a direct and unfiltered engagement with the material. The play's origins, written by Soleimanpour while he was unable to travel, add a layer of political and personal significance, transforming the act of performance into a statement on censorship and the human desire for expression. The participation of actors like Olivia Cooke, who are accustomed to highly structured productions, highlights their willingness to embrace vulnerability and spontaneity, pushing the boundaries of their craft and offering a unique insight into the actor's process.
