August: Osage County - National Theatre, Lyttelton

SYNOPSIS

August: Osage County

The Lyttelton Theatre at the National Theatre in London is the venue for the UK premiere of the dark comedy play August: Osage County. A tale of family dysfunction from pretty much every conceivable angle this creation from the world-renowned Steppenwolf Theatre Company of Chicago, Illinois traces the paths of truths, half truths and downright lies when a Midwestern American family reunite unexpectedly in Oklahoma. From moments of pure comedy genius to the shocking truths that tackle subjects such as suicide, drug abuse, incest and racism, August: Osage County is sure to have audiences gripped during its 3hr 20 minute adventure.

Welcome to the Weston Family

August: Osage County is a character-intensive play involving thirteen principal cast members. The story unfolds at the Weston Family's large country home outside Pawhuska in Oklahoma. Mr Beverly Weston - the senior man and father of the family has mysteriously disappeared, apparently taking his own life. The family reunite from across America at the news of his disappearance. In an epic drama with impassioned dialogue and twisted sub-plots, the family members slowly discover the truth behind Mr Weston's death - and the dark family secrets and painful memories that bubble beneath the family's proud exterior.

An original play written by Pulitzer Prize winner Tracy Letts, August: Osage County pulls no punches in its exploration of a gamut of traditionally taboo subjects. The fact that the canvas for this exploration is, on the face of it, a respectable American family, adds tremendous impact to the piece.

August: Osage County at the National Theatre

Tracy Letts' play, produced by the Steppenwolf Theatre Company had its world premiere in Chicago in June 2007. It moved to Broadway later in the year, first to the Imperial Theater and later to the Music Box Theater. A US national tour is planned during 2009. Before that however August: Osage County comes to the UK. It opens for previews in London on 21st November 2008. First night is Friday 28th November. Theatre ticket bookings for the show at the National are being taken through to 21st January, 2009.

Most of the original Broadway cast will reprise their roles in London. Deanna Dunagan, who plays the pill-popping yet shrewd and commanding matriarch of the family, and Beverly's wife, Violet Weston, heads the cast. Joining Dunagan in London are Rondi Reed (Mattie Fay Aiken), Ian Barford (Little Charles), Kimberly Guerrero (Johnna), Mariann Mayberry (Karen Weston), Amy Morton (Barbara Fordham), Sally Murphy (Ivy Weston), Jeff Perry (Bill Fordham), Troy West (Sheriff Deon Gilbeau).

Steppenwolf Theatre Company

Chicago-based Steppenwolf were last at the National Theatre in London during 1989 with their production of the Grapes of Wrath, which was adapted for the stage by Frank Gallati. This time around with August: Osage County, Anna D Shapiro directs proceedings in London, just as she did in Chicago and on Broadway.