Anna Savva

Joan of Arc has long been a symbol of female empowerment. Her ascent to patron saint of France is often described as a tale of gender non-conforming rebellion for women to aspire to. Shakespeare's Globe and writer Charlie Josephine (they/he) have dismantled this depiction of womanhood, redefining Joan's experiences through the lens of trans existence. In I, Joan, the protagonist traverses the same war and faith we as an audience are accustomed to, whilst also advocating for and navigating their nonbinary identity.

Shakespeare's Globe has announced casting for the premiere of I, Joan, which runs from 25 August to 22 October.

As the most notorious monarch in British history, Henry VIII's rule was tyrannous and imposing. Known for his colossal physique and consort of six unlucky wives, Henry Tudor has long stood as an example of the damage done by brutish men with excessive power. His reputation as a prolific abuser of women has inspired an array of assertive feminist theatre and this offering by Shakespeare's Globe is no exception.

Set in Jerusalem and inspired by a true story, this black comedy tells the story of a family of Palestinians who are forced, by court ruling, to share their home with a group of Israeli settlers.  Speaking directly to the situation today, this timely production balances humour, storytelling and metaphor, to give audiences a fresh perspective on the Middle East.

This is Edward Hall's last production as Artistic Director. After almost 10 years he is stepping down to make way for pastures new. Before he joined the Hampstead was under threat of closure, as it scraped close to bankruptcy. Nowadays, it has established itself as one of the leading new writing venues, premiering over hundred plays - some of them proving to be a massive hit.

Hampstead Theatre presents the world premiere of Howard Brenton's latest play Jude, directed by Edward Hall which will be the last production that Edward will direct during his tenure as Artistic Director of Hampstead. Loosely inspired by Thomas Hardy's novel Jude the Obscure, Jude is a modern day tale of unexpected genius and of our struggle to accommodate extraordinary talent.Isabella Nefar stars as Jude alongside Paul Brennen, Merch Husey, Caroline Loncq, Luke MacGregor, Shanaya Rafaat, Anna Savva and Emily Taaffe.

London is never short of temptations, whether splashy West End shows, epic dramas or bold fringe offerings. From timely plays to the beginning of open-air theatre season, here are some of this month's most eye-catching openings. Don't forget to check back for BroadwayWorld's reviews, interviews and features!

Hampstead Theatre presents the world premiere of Howard Brenton's latest play Jude, directed by Edward Hall which will be the last production that Edward will direct during his tenure as Artistic Director of Hampstead. Loosely inspired by Thomas Hardy's novel Jude the Obscure, Jude is a modern day tale of unexpected genius and of our struggle to accommodate extraordinary talent. Isabella Nefar stars as Jude alongside Paul Brennen, Merch Husey, Caroline Loncq, Luke MacGregor, Shanaya Rafaat, Anna Savva and Emily Taaffe.

Hampstead Theatre presents the world premiere of Howard Brenton's latest play Jude, directed by Edward Hall which will be the last production that Edward will direct during his tenure as Artistic Director of Hampstead. Loosely inspired by Thomas Hardy's novel Jude the Obscure, Jude is a modern day tale of unexpected genius and of our struggle to accommodate extraordinary talent.

'A Hard Rain' by Jon Bradfield and Martin Hooper is set in 1969 Greenwich Village in the sweltering few days before the Stonewall riots. A drag queen and former soldier named Ruby, veteran of ten months' fighting in Vietnam, rocks up in Greenwich Village in high heels and a rage. In a Mafia-run bar greased with smart-talking queers, bribe-happy cops and nervous Wall Street high-flyers, she meets a street kid and will change his world, and ours. The piece debuted in February-March, 2014 at Above the Stag Theatre in London. Theater for the New City will present the play's American premiere, directed by Michael Luggio, January 6 to 25, 2015.

Performance have been added for THE DYBBUK on Saturday, August 21 at 9 PM and Tuesday, August 24 at 9 PM. To share a hit of its Dream Up Festival with a wider audience, and because of sellouts in the current schedule, Theater for the New City has added two performances for 'The Dybbuk' from England, written and directed by Julia Pascal.

Of the 25 plays to be presented in Theater for the New City's upcoming 'Dream Up Festival' August 8 to September 5 (www.dreamupfestival.org), one in particular indicates the expansion of TNC into the international arena.

Of the 25 plays to be presented in Theater for the New City's upcoming 'Dream Up Festival' August 8 to September 5 (www.dreamupfestival.org), one in particular indicates the expansion of TNC into the international arena.