‘Nothing really matters except the courage to be yourself’: Emma Corrin to star in Virginia Woolf’s Orlando in the West End
The groundbreaking exploration of gender identity is being adapted by famed playwright Neil Bartlett
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Emma Corrin will take to the stage for Neil Bartlett’s adaptation of Orlando by Virginia Woolf, it was announced Friday (29 July).
The actor, who played Princess Diana in the hit Netflix series The Crown alongside Josh O’Connor as Prince Charles, has not starred in a stage performance since 2018.
Orlando, the 1928 novel by Woolf, is inspired by the family history of the author’s aristocrat friend and lover, Vita Sackville-West, and is widely considered a feminist classic and groundbreaking exploration of gender identity.
“Neil Bartlett’s joyous new adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s Orlando dances through time and gender, challenging us to remember that nothing really matters except the courage to be yourself,” said director Michael Grandage in a statement accompanying the announcement.
“It is one of the most surprising stories in the English language, and with its inspiring vision of all bodies having equal rights to love, I’m delighted that MGC is returning to the West End with Emma Corrin to bring this timely story to a whole new audience.”
The subject matter is apt for Corrin, who spoke candidly about their gender and sexuality in an interview for Vogue’s August cover story.
Corrin, who uses they/them pronouns, said: “In my mind, gender just isn’t something that feels fixed and I don’t know if it ever will be; there might always be some fluidity there for me.
“I feel much more seen when I’m referred to as ‘they,’ but my closest friends, they will call me ‘she,’ and I don’t mind, because I know they know me,” the Golden Globe winner added.
An opening date has not yet been announced for Orlando starring Corrin.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments