Esplanade Presents

Theatre

Blindness

Donmar Warehouse (UK)

10 – 13 Nov 2022

View dates and time

1hr 10mins

(Intermission: None)

Esplanade Theatre Stage

Sold Out

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Synopsis

“Artistically and technologically pioneering… Stevenson relays the story with her usual impeccable verbal poise” – Daily Telegraph

 

“Stevenson’s narration is so vivid, and the tech design so atmospheric, that you’d almost swear you could see each scene playing out in front of you.” – Guardian

 

“An exhilarating testament to the power and necessity of art… a unique and unforgettable achievement” – Metro

 

“A triumph” – New York Times

 

As the lights change at a major crossroads in a city in the heart of Europe, a car grinds to a halt. Its driver can drive no more. Suddenly, without warning or cause, he has gone blind. Within hours, it is clear that this is a blindness like no other. This blindness is infectious. Within days, an epidemic of blindness has spread through the city.  The government tries to quarantine the contagion by herding the newly blind people into an empty asylum. But their attempts are futile. The city is in panic. 

 

Award-winning playwright Simon Stephens has adapted Nobel Prize-winner José Saramago’s dystopian novel Blindness into a sound installation, under the direction of Walter Meierjohann and with the immersive binaural sound design of Ben and Max Ringham. Juliet Stevenson voices the Storyteller/Doctor’s wife in this gripping story of the rise and, ultimately, profoundly hopeful end of an unimaginable global pandemic.

 

This ticketed installation takes place on the Esplanade Theatre Stage. Patrons will listen on headphones as the narrative unfolds around them. 

 

Podcast

Created in August 2020 to accompany the staging adaptation of Blindness, this edition of the Donmar Warehouse podcast features writer Simon Stephens as he interviews Production Consultant Professor Hannah Thompson. Together, they unpack the representations of blindness in Blindness—both José Saramago’s dystopian novel and its theatrical adaptation—and take the long view across centuries of literature whilst discussing the exciting possibilities for creatively centring the non-visual in theatre today.

Accessibility

Audio Description Wheelchair Access

Advisory:

Advisory 16: Mature themes and violence. Recommended for audiences ages 16 and above.

 

Please note that the performance will begin on time and latecomers will not be admitted. As admission to the venue will be progressive and in small groups, all patrons must arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the performance.

 

Mask-wearing is optional. However, audiences are encouraged to continue to exercise responsibility and caution, such as wearing masks when in crowded places.

 

Meeting point: Esplanade Theatre Foyer.

 

Content warning: Contains themes of sexual assault and psychological trauma. Extended periods of complete blackout, strobe and bright flashing lights in close proximity to visitors and loud noises.

Admission Age:
13 and above.
Language: English
Things to Note:
Accessibility: We provide services and facilities for patrons with access needs. Concessions for persons with disabilities (PWDs) are available for selected shows. Read our accessibility guide.
With the growing threat of online phishing scams, please remain vigilant. Use official ticketing channels such as Esplanade.com or Sistic.com.sg and check that you are on legitimate websites before logging in to book tickets.
Ticketing: Prices exclude ticketing agent’s booking fees. Entry to performance venues is granted to patrons with tickets that have been purchased through authorised ticket agents only. Read about ticketing or check our FAQs.
For information about late seating, photography and more, please read our general advisory.
Artist Information

Production Credits

Based on the novel by José Saramago, adapted by Simon Stephens

Directed by Walter Meierjohann

With the voice of Juliet Stevenson

 

Sound Designers Ben and Max Ringham

Designer Lizzie Clachan

Lighting Designer Jessica Hung Han Yun

Production Consultant Professor Hannah Thompson

Resident Assistant Director Sara Aniqah Malik

 

Technical Production Direction ARTFACTORY
Associate Lighting Design Andy Lim
Associate Sound Design Joel Fernandez
Scenic Painting .
Production Management Yap Seok Hui
Technical Management Kailash
Stage Management Sunitha Nayar
Lighting Programming Huang Xiangbin

Donmar Warehouse

Website | Instagram

The Donmar Warehouse is a 251-seat, not-for-profit theatre in Covent Garden, London, led by Artistic Director Michael Longhurst and Executive Director Henny Finch. Their mission is to bring together a wide variety of people in their intimate warehouse space and elsewhere to create, witness and participate in thrilling, world-class theatre.

 

The Donmar has won more than 100 awards in its 29-year history, with highlights of the programme including founder artistic director Sam Mendes’ productions of Cabaret (with Alan Cumming) and The Blue Room (with Nicole Kidman). Michael Grandage (Artistic Director 2002–2012) brought notable productions of Othello with Chiwetel Ejiofor and Ewan McGregor, along with Red with Alfred Molina and Eddie Redmayne. Josie Rourke (Artistic Director 2012–2019) brought Tom Hiddleston in Coriolanus, and a trilogy of all-female Shakespeare plays directed by Phyllida Lloyd. Current Artistic Director Michael Longhurst’s inaugural 2019–20 season focused on important stories, thrillingly told, and included new plays by leading writers including Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Alice Birch and Mike Lew.  

Date & Time

Audio Description

Wheelchair Access

10 Nov 2022, Thu

8pm

11 Nov 2022, Fri

8pm

12 Nov 2022, Sat

1pm

3.30pm

8pm

13 Nov 2022, Sun

1pm

3.30pm

8pm

Tickets & Prices
Standard

Students, NSFs, Seniors & PWDs
(Limited)

Cat 1 $46 $35

Esplanade&Me Early Bird Specials
(7 – 12 Sep 2022)

Black: 20% savings 
White: 15% savings 
Discover: 15% savings (min. 2 tickets, limited)

Esplanade&Me Specials
(13 Sep 2022 onwards)

Black: 15% savings 
White: 10% savings 
Discover: 10% savings (min. 2 tickets, limited)
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