British Ambassador Sir Nigel Sheinwald welcomed patrons of both the Shakespeare Theatre Company and the American Associates of the Royal National Theatre and guests from the Supreme Court, Congress and the Administration and other parts of Washington public life to celebrate the Washington performance of Phèdre with its London cast: Dame Helen Mirren, Stanley Townsend, Dominic Cooper, Ruth Negga, Margaret Tyzack, John Shrapnel and artistic director Nicholas Hytner.

At a reception after the performance on 17 September, Ambassador Sheinwald said:

“I am delighted that the National Theatre has brought this stunning production of Phèdre to Washington, and I welcome Helen Mirren and the cast.

“Before I came to Washington two years ago, I made the impertinent request to Nick Hytner that he think about bringing something big to Washington in the years ahead. 

“He has exceeded all expectations. This is not an easy play. It’s a story of larger-than-life personalities, the use of power, uncontrollable passions, powerful speeches, intrigue, human failings and a lot of blood on the carpet – you might say this was the perfect choice for Washington.”

About Phèdre

The Shakespeare Theatre Company presents this sole American engagement of the National Theatre of Great Britain's production of Phèdre featuring Academy Award winner Helen Mirren. Artistic Director Nicholas Hytner directs a superb cast, including Dominic Cooper and Margaret Tyzack, in Ted Hughes' adaptation of Racine's epic tragedy.

Believing her husband to be dead, the passionate Queen Phèdre allows her forbidden love for her stepson (Dominic Cooper) to blossom. When the King returns from war very much alive, the entire family is catapulted into a desperate, impossible situation.

This sold out production will be in Washington from 16-26 September at the Shakespeare Theatre’s Harman Center.

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