Ruth Wilson to star in 24-hour play 'The Second Woman' at the Young Vic

The Olivier-winning actress will perform in the UK premiere of a 24-hour long play, where one actor reprises a scene 100 times.

The Young Vic has announced its 2023 season. As well as Further than the Furthest Thing, opening next month, the season includes a UK premiere of Beneatha's Place, and a new play exploring Asian identity.

Ruth Wilson will star in the UK premiere of The Second Woman. Over 24 hours, Wilson will reprise a seven-minute scene 100 times, with 100 different men invited to perform alongside the Olivier-winning actress.

Press material states: “The Second Woman is a unique, cinematic theatre experience in which the stage offers the audience a wide-angle view of the action, while multiple cameras capture and share live close-ups.”

Nat Randall and Anna Breckon’s The Second Woman is inspired by John Cassavetes’ 1977 film, Opening Night. Lauren Woodhead provides lighting design, and video design is by EO Gill. The Second Woman runs from 4pm on 19 May, to 4pm on 20 May.

Kwame Kwei-Armah writes and directs the UK premiere of his play, Beneatha’s Place. Inspired by Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun, as well as elements of Clybourne Park, Beneatha's Place explores the impact of power, history, and race in Nigeria. The show features designs by Debbie Duru, and lighting design by Mark Henderson. Casting and a creative team will be announced at a later date. Beneatha's Place begins previews on 27 June, with an opening night on 5 July and performances to 5 August.

The previously announced untitled fck mss s**gon play begins previews on 18 September, ahead of an opening night on 22 September, and performances to 4 November. The play follows Kim as she tries to break out of expected Asian behaviour in the hopes of controlling hher narrative. Roy Alexander Weise directs Kimber Lee’s play, with design by Moi Tran.

Jenna Russell will star in Further than the Furthest Thing, a play based on events on the island of Tristan da Cunha. The show runs from 9 March to 29 April.

The season includes Sundown Kiki Reloaded from 31 July to 11 August, and Tribe from 28 October to 4 November.

Photo credit: Ruth Wilson (Photo courtesy of Young Vic)