Emperor Jones
Olivier, National Theatre, London from 22nd August to 31st October 2007
Southern American ex-convict, Brutus Jones, aided by his
double-crossing British ally, Smithers, connives his way into an uncompromising
dictatorship over a remote island in the West Indies. Faced with a terrifying
people's revolt, the delusional Emperor escapes to the dark forest and a
promise of salvation.
But in the searing heat and to the ominous pulse of his trackers' drums,
Jones is driven to make his way through every lead bullet in his gun, right
down to the silver one he is saving for himself.
O'Neill's controversial 1920 play is by turns shocking
and mesmerising. Thea Sharrock's production for The Gate was a theatrical
highlight of 2005 and she now reconceives it for the Olivier, with Paterson
Joseph reprising one of the most critically acclaimed performances of recent
years.
For
all additional information and booking details visit the official web site:
www.nationaltheatre.org.uk
"a titanic leading role which Paterson Joseph superlatively
fills" 
Michael
Billington, The Guardian
Audience's reviews: No audience reviews
