Adrien Brody, the Academy Award-winning star of 'The Pianist,' will make his theater debut in London in the world premiere of 'The Fear 13.' The production is a part of the upcoming season at Donmar Warehouse, including Lynn Nottage's 'Intimate Apparel,' starring Emmy-winning actress Samira Wiley.
'The Fear 13' is based on the true story of Nick Yarris, who spent 22 years on death row after being found guilty of murder after a routine traffic stop. It is directed by Justin Martin (Prima Facie). Performances will begin on Friday, October 4, and run through Saturday, November 30.
The play is written by the American playwright Lindsey Ferrentino. The Queen of Versailles, which Ferrentino also wrote, will have its Boston premiere in July.
Brody said, "I love the theatre, and although I have not been on the stage in many years, I have been searching for the right material and this was so clearly the one."
When asked what attracted him to the play, he responded, "The writing just spoke to me. I often follow my instincts when I am utterly moved by the text."
He added that he was used to a very different style of working on film, so this was a chance to step out of his comfort zone and explore something incredibly powerful and intimate.
In 'Intimate Apparel,' Wiley will play Esther, who sews beautiful lingerie for women from all walks of life. Though fiercely independent and successful, she still yearns to fall in love and wants to open her beauty salon. She seems to have found her path to happiness when she receives lovely letters from a lonely stranger.
Wiley produced 'Thoughts of a Colored Man' on Broadway and performed 'Love's Labor's Lost' with the Public Theater in New York. She was also the star of the critically praised London National Theatre production of 'Blues for an Alabama Sky.'
'Intimate Apparel' is directed by Lynette Linton, former resident assistant director at the Donmar. The show will run from Friday, June 20, to Saturday, August 9, 2025.
Furthermore, the world premiere of 'Backstroke,' written and directed by Anna Mackmin, and the UK premiere of Dave Malloy's 'Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812' are among the highlights of the Donmar season.
