A bold new stage adaptation of Atonement will receive its world premiere at Chichester Festival Theatre from 29 May to 20 June.
Based on the acclaimed novel by Ian McEwan, the production has been adapted for the stage by celebrated playwright Christopher Hampton and is directed by Adam Penford.
Set against the backdrop of an English country estate during the sweltering summer of 1935, Atonement centres on 13-year-old Briony Tallis, who witnesses a charged encounter between her older sister Cecilia and Robbie, the son of the family’s housekeeper. Misinterpreting what she sees and driven by a reckless desire for drama, Briony makes a devastating accusation. The consequences ripple through the lives of Cecilia and Robbie — and echo across decades — as Briony spends the rest of her life seeking redemption for her actions.
Spanning from the 1930s through the turmoil of the Second World War and into the present day, McEwan’s novel was shortlisted for the Booker Prize and later named by both Time Magazine and The Guardian as one of the 100 greatest novels of the past century. Its themes of love, guilt and the search for forgiveness have made it a modern classic.
Hampton, whose stage works include The Philanthropist and the award-winning adaptation of Les Liaisons dangereuses, brings his trademark theatrical flair to this ambitious new production. His adaptation of Les Liaisons dangereuses earned both Olivier and Evening Standard Awards for Best Play and is soon to be revived at the National Theatre.
Penford, Artistic Director of Nottingham Playhouse, returns to Chichester following his 2023 staging of The Sound of Music. His recent directing credits include James Graham’s award-winning Punch, which transferred to the West End and Broadway.
The creative team for Atonement features designer Anthony Ward, composer and sound designer Alexandra Faye Braithwaite, movement and intimacy director Ben Wright, and casting director Helena Palmer CDG.
With its sweeping narrative, emotional depth and richly theatrical potential, this world premiere promises to be one of the most anticipated productions of the summer season.
Cast to be announced.
You might also like
