‘THE HARD PROBLEM': DAMIEN MOLONY’S NEW PLAY PREMIERES AT THE NATIONAL TONIGHT!

© Johan Persson, The Guardian

After weeks of rehearsals, Damien’s new play The Hard Problem opens for previews tonight at the National Theatre.

He will be appearing alongside Olivia Vinall, Vera Chok, Jonathan Coy, Lucy Robinson and Parth Thakerar in the new Tom Stoppard play from 21 January until 16 April 2015, at the newly refurbished Dorfman Theatre.

The Hard Problem will also be broadcast in cinemas across the world live on 16 April 2015 with National Theatre Live. Additional encore screenings of the play after the initial live broadcast will also be shown.

The play’s subject matter is ‘The Hard Problem’ of consciousness, exploring the related philosophical and intellectual themes in an intimate piece of theatre.

Check out the official synopsis below.

Hilary, a young psychology researcher at a brain science institute, is nursing a private sorrow and a troubling question at work, where psychology and biology meet. If there is nothing but matter, what is consciousness? This is ‘the hard problem’ which puts Hilary at odds with her colleagues who include her first mentor Spike, her boss Leo and the billionaire founder of the institute, Jerry. Is the day coming when the computer and the fMRI scanner will answer all the questions psychology can ask? Meanwhile Hilary needs a miracle, and she is prepared to pray for one.”

The first stage play in a decade for Sir Tom Stoppard and the final one for artistic director Nicholas Hytner at the National, the production will garner much attention in Theatre-land. We are delighted our favourite actor is part of such a significant moment in theatrical history and cannot wait for the first reviews!

The Hard Problem has sold out, but further tickets may be available on the day, visit the National Theatre website for more info

Book your tickets to see Damien in a live broadcast of The Hard Problem at your local cinema, visit the National Theatre Live website

Tom Stoppard and Nicholas Hytner will be discussing the new play at a special talk 6 February 5.30pm followed by a further talk about Evolutionary Biology with Armand Leroi on 16 February.