Rufus Norris to Succeed Nicholas Hytner as Artistic Director of London’s National Theatre

Rufus Norris is the National Theatre’s newest commander in chief! The British theater director will succeed Nicholas Hytner as artistic director of the National Theatre in April 2015. Norris, who is currently the associate director at the acclaimed theater company, has helmed The Amen Corner, Table, London Road and more productions at the National Theatre.

“In setting out to find a new director for the National Theatre, the board looked for an individual with a creative reputation that would command the respect and support of British theatre, and with the generosity of spirit that has characterized Nick Hytner’s period as director,” John Makinson, chairman of the National Theatre, said in a statement. “Rufus Norris has both those qualities in abundance. He is an exciting choice, someone who will build on the National Theatre’s present reputation as one of the most admired and innovative performing arts organizations in the world. We are fortunate that he has chosen to join us.”

Norris, an associate director at the National Theatre since 2011, trained at RADA as an actor for several years before becoming a director. His notable directing credits include Feast, Sleeping Beauty, Peribanez, Afore Night Come, Cabaret, Festen and Les Liaisons Dangereuses on Broadway, which garnered five Tony Award nominations. His feature film Broken premiered at Cannes in 2012, winning Best Film at the British Independent Film Awards.