8 September 2023 - 14 October 2023
★★★★★ “An extraordinary production” – The Observer
The National Theatre revives its gripping, acclaimed production of The Father and the Assassin.
This compelling drama traces the life of Nathuram Godse – journalist, nationalist, and the man who murdered Gandhi, over 30 years during India’s fight for independence: from a devout follower of Gandhi, through to his radicalisation and their tragic final encounter in Delhi in 1948.
Directed by Indhu Rubasingham (Kerry Jackson, The Great Wave) and written by one of India’s most exciting playwrights, Anupama Chandrasekhar, this fascinating exploration of oppression and extremism stars Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera (Life of Pi) as Nathuram Godse with Paul Bazely (Cruella) as Mahatma Gandhi.
The Father and the Assassin will play in the Olivier theatre of the National Theatre from 8 September to 14 October 2023.
What's the story of The Father and the Assassin?
Mahatma Gandhi: lawyer, champion of non-violence, beloved leader. Nathuram Godse: journalist, nationalist – and the man who murdered Gandhi. This gripping play traces Godse’s life over 30 years during India’s fight for independence: from a devout follower of Gandhi, through to his radicalisation and their tragic final encounter in Delhi in 1948.
Who is in the cast of The Father and the Assassin?
The play stars Hiran Abeysekera as Nathuram Godse and Paul Bazely as Mahatma Gandhi, alongside Azan Ahmed, Ravi Aujla, Ayesha Dharker, Ravin J Ganatra, Raj Ghatak, Halema Hussain, Nadeem Islam, Tony Jayawardena, Nicholas Khan, Raj Khera, Hari Mackinnon, Sid Sagar and Akshay Shah.
Who are the creative team of The Father and the Assassin?
Written by Anupama Chandrasekhar, directed by Indhu Rubasingham, set and costume designer Rajha Shakiry, lighting designer Oliver Fenwick, movement director Lucy Cullingford, composer Siddhartha Khosla, additional music by David Shrubsole, sound designer Alexander Caplen, fight directors Rachel Bown-Williams and Ruth Cooper-Brown of Rc-Annie Ltd, casting director Alastair Coomer CDG and associate set and costume designer Khadija Raza.
Reviews of The Father and the Assassin
Reviews from the 2022 production at the National Theatre
★★★★★ "Brilliantly entertaining" - TimeOut★★★★★ "An extraordinary production" - The Observer
Show Information
Cast Highlights
Venue Information
National Theatre - Olivier Theatre, Upper Ground, London, SE1 9PXNearest Tube or Train: Waterloo (Jubilee line, Northern line, Bakerloo line)
Nearest Buses: 1, 4, 26, 59, 68, 76, 139, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 243, 341, 521, X68, RV1