Nation 2009

Run Time:
2 hours and 25 minutes, with interval
Opened: November 24, 2009
Closing: March 28, 2010

Nation - 2009 - West End History , Info & More

National Theatre (Olivier)
(Waterloo) South Bank London

Following His Dark Materials, Coram Boy and War Horse, the National Theatre's latest spectacular family production is an exhilarating adventure story of survival and self-discovery based on a novel by Terry Pratchett.



A parallel world, 1860. Two teenagers thrown together by a tsunami that has destroyed Mau’s village and left Daphne shipwrecked on his South Pacific island, thousands of miles from home. One wears next to nothing, the other a long white dress; neither speaks the other’s language; somehow they must learn to survive. As starving refugees gather, Daphne delivers a baby, milks a pig, brews beer and does battle with a mutineer. Mau fights cannibal Raiders, discovers the world is round and questions the reality of his tribe’s fiercely patriarchal gods. Together they come of age, overseen by a foul-mouthed parrot, as they discard old doctrine to forge a new Nation.



Live music, thrilling dance and spectacular puppets combine to bring to life the spectacular and surprising world of Terry Pratchett's Nation on the National Theatre stage.

Get Nation Email Alerts

Be the first to get ticket offers, news, photos & more.

Ballet Hispánico's Quinceañera Gala Raised More Than $1.3 Million
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 26, 2024


Ballet Hispánico's Quinceañera Gala raises over $1.3 million for artistic, educational, and community outreach programs.

Pianist Inna Faliks Will Perform World Premiere at BroadStage in May
by Stephi Wild - Apr 24, 2024


Renowned pianist Inna Faliks is set to perform a special matinee concert at the Eli and Edythe Broad Stage on Sunday, May 19, 2024. Don't miss the world premiere.

Raven Chacon and Diana Al-Hadid Come to Hermitage in May
by Stephi Wild - Apr 22, 2024


The Hermitage Artist Retreat has announced “Visualizing Culture” on Thursday, May 23 at 6:30pm, presented on the Hermitage Beach.

Georgia High Schools Win 2024 Shuler Awards Presented By ArtsBridge Foundation
by Stephi Wild - Apr 19, 2024


In a special broadcast with partner Georgia Public Broadcasting, ArtsBridge Foundation announced the winners of the “Sweet 16” 16th Annual Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards (GHSMTA) during “Shuler Awards 2024,” a live co-production with GPB that aired statewide.

Making Space At The Armory Presents ANTAGONISMS: A GATHERING Symposium Led By Claudia Rankine
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 17, 2024


Join Claudia Rankine, Anna Deavere Smith, Homi Bhabha, Saidiya Hartman, and others for a series of conversations and performances exploring public and private discourse at the Armory's Antagonisms: A Gathering on June 1.

Review: DIVERSITY: SUPERNOVA, De Montfort Hall, Leicester
by Laura Lott - Apr 17, 2024


It's hard to imagine what more an audience could possibly want from a dance show than what Diversity provide in their current tour Supernova. There are stunning, tightly choreographed dance routines, impressive production values, up-to-the-minute technology, music loud enough to reverberate through your spine, and heavy doses of both humour and earnestness. Oh, and it rains on stage. This is bold, flashy entertainment underpinned by incredible talent.

Photos: Mariah Carey Celebrates Opening Weekend Of Her Las Vegas Engagement
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 15, 2024


This past weekend, Mariah Carey debuted her new exclusive engagement, Mariah Carey: The Celebration of Mimi Live in Las Vegas at Dolby Live at Park MGM. The elusive chanteuse and best-selling female artist of all time with over 200 million records sold was greeted with several enthusiastic standing ovations from sold-out crowds on Friday, April 12 and Saturday, April 13. See the photos below!

Classic Rock Band America Returns To State Theatre In July; Tickets On Sale Friday
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 3, 2024


Secure your tickets for AMERICA - RIDE ON 2024, going on sale this Friday. Don't miss the chance to see this iconic performance at the State Theatre on July 18.

Michael Feinstein In To Star In RAINBOW: THE NEW JUDY GARLAND MUSICAL  at the Mark Taper Forum
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 22, 2024


Experience the magic of Judy Garland's music anew with RAINBOW: THE NEW JUDY GARLAND MUSICAL, featuring Michael Feinstein at the Mark Taper Forum.

Lady Gaga to Return to Las Vegas For 8 More Jazz & Piano Shows This Summer
by Michael Major - Mar 19, 2024


Lady Gaga is returning to Las Vegas for more Jazz and Piano shows. The GRAMMY and Oscar-winning superstar took to social media to reveal that she is headed back to Park MGM for eight shows. Find out how to get tickets to see Lady Gaga in Las Vegas here!

Kennedy Center Teams Up With Netflix To Stream Mark Twain Prize
by Michael Major - Mar 14, 2024


The Kennedy Center collaborates with Netflix to stream the Mark Twain Prize, and sets the cast. Get the latest updates on this exciting partnership and the star-studded cast lineup. This year's program will feature a cast of leading performers, including Dave Burd aka “Lil Dicky,” Dave Chappelle, Jimmy Fallon, Tiffany Haddish, and more.

Palace Theater To Host Free CommUNITY Event: Unifying & Equalizing Through Sports
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 13, 2024


On May 1, 2024, Palace Theater will host CommUNITY: UNIFYING & EQUALIZING THROUGH SPORTS. This event explores the power of sports in bringing communities together and promoting equality.

Randy Cohen to Host Live Podcast Recording of PERSON PLACE THING With Eduardo Vilaro
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 13, 2024


Join Randy Cohen, host of PERSON PLACE THING, in a live podcast recording featuring a candid conversation with Eduardo Vilaro, Artistic Director & CEO of BALLET HISPÁNICO.

Russell Krumnow Appointed as New Executive Director SAY: The Stuttering Association For The Young
by Stephi Wild - Mar 13, 2024


Following a national search, SAY: The Stuttering Association for the Young has appointed as incoming Executive Director. Krumnow succeeds long-time Executive Director Noah Cornman who will step down in June.

John Ondrasik of FIVE FOR FIGHTING and The Tullman Family Office to Launch 'Music Matters Challenge'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 12, 2024


GRAMMY nominated John Ondrasik of FIVE FOR FIGHTING and The Tullman Family Office, through its operational philanthropic wing Tullman Community Ventures,  are launching the 'Music Matters Challenge'. Learn more here!

The Philadelphia Orchestra to Rename Its Home at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
by Stephi Wild - Feb 28, 2024


Philadelphia Orchestra President and CEO Matías Tarnopolsky and Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin announced that Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts will be rededicated as Marian Anderson Hall in honor of the legendary contralto, civil rights icon, and Philadelphian.

Everything New On Max This March: What's Coming & Going
by Michael Major - Feb 26, 2024


Discover the latest additions coming to Max this March. Stay updated on the newest releases and must-watch shows. Plus, find out what titles are leaving in March. Get ready to stream your favorites!

Les Ballets De Monte Carlo To Return To New Orleans With A LAC �" SWAN LAKE, A Reimagining Of The Classic Fairy Tale
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 26, 2024


The New Orleans Ballet Association will continue its 2023-24 Main Stage Season of dance on March 2, 2024, with Les Ballets de Monte Carlo in LAC (Swan Lake) at the Mahalia Jackson Theater. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Glow Suspends 2024 Festival Season
by Stephi Wild - Feb 26, 2024


In response to ongoing challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath, Glow Lyric Theatre has announced the suspension of its 2024 Summer Festival Season.

Bay Area Artists to Perform at the Tenth Anniversary Commemoration of LOVE SEPARATED IN LIFE…LOVE REUNITED IN HONOR
by Blair Ingenthron - Feb 25, 2024


Bay Area artists Hope Briggs and Lawrence Beamen, alongside Atlanta's Sylvia Camille, will perform at the Tenth Anniversary Commemoration of a fallen Vietnam War hero in Washington, D.C. on March 9, 2024.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Announces Programming For April Engagement At Auditorium Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 20, 2024


The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will returns to its Chicago home – the landmark Auditorium Theatre at 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive – for its 55th engagement, with six dynamic performances, April 17-21, 2024. Tickets, starting at $40, are now on sale at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater | Auditorium Theatre.

London Theatre Week - See over 50 Award-Winning Musicals and Plays with Tickets from £15, £25 or £35
by Team BWW - Feb 20, 2024


London Theatre Week is the West End’s biggest promotion, giving you the chance to see over 50 amazing award-winning musicals and stunning plays with tickets from £15, £25 or £35

Video: Go Inside Rehearsals for BONNIE & CLYDE at Pioneer Theatre Company
by Joshua Wright - Feb 14, 2024


Get a first look at rehearsals for Pioneer Theatre Company's production of Bonnie & Clyde, on stage from February 23-March 9, 2024.

Harry Christophers Returns For The First Time As Conductor Laureate To Lead The Handel And Haydn Society
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 8, 2024


Harry is back! The Handel and Haydn Society's beloved Artistic Director for more than a decade will return to lead the historic organization for the first time as Conductor Laureate. Christophers will take the baton as the orchestra and chorus perform works by Haydn, Mozart and H+H premieres from female composers Raffaella Aleotti (1570-1646) and Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179).

Ballet Hispánico Celebrates Eduardo Vilaro's 15th Season with World Premiere of BUSCANDO A JUAN and More
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 8, 2024


Ballet Hispánico, the nation's largest Latine/x/Hispanic dance organization recognized as one of America's Cultural Treasures, continues their 2023/24 season.

Nation FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of Nation have there been?
Nation has had 1 productions including West End which opened in 2009.

Videos