The Donmar Shakespeare Trilogy

The Donmar Shakespeare Trilogy was the culmination of a five-year project that began when Kate and Josie Rourke commissioned Phyllida to direct Julius Caesar in their first season at the Donmar in 2012. The Trilogy – Julius Caesar, Henry IV and The Tempest was described as ‘one of the most important theatrical events of the past twenty years’ (Susannah Clapp, The Observer 2016). All three productions starred Harriet Walter and saw a number of its younger alumnae including Jade Anouka, Clare Dunne, Cynthia Erivo, Leah Harvey, Charlie Josephine, Cush Jumbo, Sharon Rooney and Susan Wokoma progress to careers as writers, producers and actors of international standing. All three productions were researched and performed in prison, in partnership with Clean Break Theatre Company and the York St John University Prison Partnership Project. They were also performed in schools and at St Ann’s Warehouse, Brooklyn and were filmed and broadcast by PBS and the BBC. All three productions are available to rent via Digital Theatre.