Royal Court production of THE HERETIC by Richard Bean directed by Jeremy Herrin
Play Details
Context
Artistic Director
Dominic Cooke
Dates Performed
Friday 4th February 2011
Jerwood Theatre Downstairs
Play Details
Synopsis
A university office, where the boundaries between science, politics, and personal relationships blur.
Dr Diane Cassell, a sea level expert at the Earth Sciences department of a Yorkshire university, finds herself at the centre of a storm when her research contradicts the prevailing narrative on climate change. As she navigates professional challenges, including threats from eco-activists and pressure from her colleague Professor Kevin Maloney, Diane must also contend with her complex relationship with her anorexic daughter Phoebe and an unexpected connection with Ben, a passionate but naive student.
Richard Bean’s The Heretic is a provocative and darkly comic exploration of climate science, academic freedom, and the personal costs of standing up for one’s beliefs. Through a series of increasingly fraught encounters, the play delves into the intersection of science, politics, and media, questioning the nature of truth and the role of scepticism in modern discourse. Bean’s razor-sharp dialogue crackles with wit and tension as the characters grapple with their professional integrity, personal relationships, and the consequences of their actions. As Diane faces suspension from her job and threats to her safety, the play builds to a climactic Boxing Day gathering that forces all the characters to confront their beliefs and choices. The Heretic challenges audiences to consider the complexities of climate science debate and the human stories behind the headlines.
Cast & Creative
Cast
Jeremy Herrin
Cast
Juliet Stevenson
Cast
James Fleet
Cast
Lydia Wilson
Cast
Johnny Flynn
Cast
Adrian Hood
Cast
Leah Whitaker
Designer
Peter McKintosh
Lighting
Paul Pyant
Join Literary Manager Chris Campbell as he sits down with the creative minds behind Richard Bean’s provocative play The Heretic
From grappling with complex scientific concepts to exploring the depths of flawed characters, the team shares their challenges and triumphs in bringing this witty, thought-provoking play to life. Hear firsthand how Stevenson tackles a role that challenges her own beliefs, and discover why Fleet thinks Bean’s writing creates bizarrely real worlds.
You may also like...
