Cast announced for the European premiere of Claudia Rankine's THE WHITE CARD

Casting has been announced for the European premiere of Claudia Rankine's first published play, The White Card, which opens at Northern Stage, Newcastle on 29 April before touring to HOME in Manchester, Leeds Playhouse, Birmingham Rep, and Soho Theatre, London.

Directed by Natalie Ibu, the production stars Nick Blakeley as Eric (Twelfth Night, Orange Tree Theatre), C J Coleman as Alex (professional stage debut), Kate Copeland as Virginia (Emma, UK tour) Estelle Daniels as Charlotte (Chloe, BBC1), and Matthew Pidgeon as Charles (The Mirror and the Light, RSC/Gielgud Theatre). 

Critically acclaimed on its debut in Boston in 2018, The White Card poses the question: can society progress when whiteness remains invisible? Written during an increasingly racially divided America and before the murder of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter protests rippled across the globe, a wealthy, privileged white couple invite a talented Black artist to dinner. Tensions run high and a heated debate uncovers some uncomfortable truths that can’t be ignored about white privilege, cultural appropriation, and representation.

Director Natalie Ibu said: “I’m immensely excited to be introducing this important play by a writer as inspirational as Claudia Rankin to the UK.  We want people to be an ally, be in the room, be in the conversation, and The White Card invites us all to take part in the debate.”