Bristol Old Vic and Royal & Derngate, Northampton today announced Patrice Naiambana will take on the iconic role of 'Davies' in Pinter's blistering classic The Caretaker, celebrated as one of 20th Century Theatre's most significant plays.
Patrice is currently starring in the sell-out National Theatre production Barber Shop Chronicles. Describing himself as an "African performing artist from Sierra Leone", his previous work includes the title role in
Kathryn Hunter's Othello, Warwick the Kingmaker in
Michael Boyd's Olivier Award-winning Histories Cycle Ensemble, and Aslan in
Adrian Noble's The Lion,The Witch and The Wardrobe, all for the RSC. He has played in
Steven Berkoff's Corialanus and Marcello Magni's Tell Them I am Young and Beautiful. Patrice is also the founder and facilitator of Tribal Soul Arts, an organisation which creates innovative and functional arts in collaboration with citizens and communities to bring about positive social transformation.
Patrice said: "For me, Pinter's not just a great writer, but a prophetic one. This great tragicomedy reads as if it has been freshly minted for 2017. The combination of vulnerability and aggression in the homeless Davies and the bitter wrangling between the brothers who offer him a kind of asylum rings out of the play with startling clarity. Pinter allows you to discover new meanings and new resonance in his plays, no matter when or where they are performed. I'm looking forward to working with Chris and seeing where it takes us."
The production will be directed by
Christopher Haydon, his first major production since his celebrated tenure at London's
Gate Theatre (Grounded, Image of An Unknown Young Woman, The Convert). Speaking today, Christopher said: "I am thrilled that Patrice will be playing Davies. He will have an absolutely unique take on this iconic role - when we first talked about it, I was struck by the depth with which he personally connected with the play and the insights he brings to it. Patrice's remarkable stage presence makes him the ideal person to embody the humour and vulnerability of the part."
Christopher's previous credits include Twelve Angry Men at Birmingham Rep and in the West End, and Grounded (Traverse Theatre Edinburgh,
Studio Theatre Washington DC, national and international tour) which won a Fringe First and Best Production in the Off West End Awards. He reunites with Designer
Oliver Townsend for The Caretaker, after previously collaborating on Grounded (Best Set Design, Off West End Awards).
The Caretaker will open at Bristol Old Vic running from 9-30 September with Press Night on Thursday 14 September. It then tours to Nuffield Theatre Southampton (10-14 Oct) before a run at Royal & Derngate, Northampton from 17 - 28 October.
Full casting will be announced in August.
Photo credit: Cameron Slater Photography
