London's National Theatre has named Robert Hastie its new deputy artistic director. The appointment is the first made by incoming Director and Chief Executive Indhu Rubasingham, currently serving as director designate and preparing to succeed Rufus Norris. Hastie will begin in his new role alongside Rubasingham in January 2025, with Co-Chief Executive Kate Varah continuing in her role.
Hastie is currently the artistic director of Sheffield Theatres. Titles produced under his leadership have included Everybody's Talking About Jamie, Life of Pi, and Standing at the Sky's Edge. Separate from Sheffield, Hastie is also the director of the West End's Olivier-winning Operation Mincemeat. Before Sheffield, Hastie was associate director of the Donmar, and also had a career as an actor, including performances at the National.
The London company also announced that Chair Damon Buffini has extended his term through mid-2027 and philanthropist Marit Mohn is joining the board. Mohn will focus on the theatre's education programs.
"‘I am delighted to welcome Robert Hastie as deputy artistic director," says Rubasingham in a statement. "Having been artistic director of Sheffield Theatres for eight years producing popular work of exceptional quality, coupled with his commitment to develop emerging talent, Robert will be an asset to the NT when he joins next year."
"The National Theatre is a creative powerhouse that attracts world leading talent to make unforgettable theatre," adds Buffini. "After a period of economic hardship post COVID, the organization is embarking on an ambitious five-year strategic plan which will ensure it thrives for generations to come. ... I am delighted to welcome Marit to join the Board of Trustees. Her belief in ensuring young people have access to opportunities they otherwise would not have had, through education and performing arts, sits at the core of the National Theatre’s mission. Her expertise in this area will be invaluable as the NT aims to reach every young person in the U.K. before they leave school."
The National is currently presenting a 25th anniversary revival of Mnemonic, the U.K. premiere of the Katori Hall's Pulitzer-winning The Hot Wing King, and Cherry Jones in The Grapes of Wrath. Visit NationalTheatre.org.uk.
