Harry Potter star Evanna Lynch will appear in a darkly comic Northern Irish thriller at Arcola Theatre.
Lynch, who played Luna Lovegood in the blockbuster film franchise, plays a woman from a divided family in Belfast who is drawn into The Troubles in a community where no-one is who they seem.
Following the shifting fortunes of a family at the height of the conflict, Tim Edge's debut play Under the Black Rock examines how young people are drawn into violence, and runs at the Hackney venue from March 2.
Evanna Lynch said: "I’m honoured to be part of a play that boldly and compassionately explores the topic of violent extremism during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, a period in history that even as a child I knew only to ask about in hushed tones. Even today, it’s a topic you learn to tread lightly around so I was moved by the way this play manages to prompt deep reflection of the past and its bearing on the future..”
Edge worked and travelled extensively in Northern Ireland during the Troubles and still maintains "a deep affection for the people of the six counties".
"They have endured so much and deserve the consolation of optimism and relative stability. The play is dedicated to them.”
Also announced at Arcola is WORTH (April 7-29) Chinese-Canadian playwright Joanne Lau's new play exploring immigration, inheritance, sibling rivalry and family secrets; The Misandrist (May 10-June 10) Lisa Carroll's relationship comedy as prickly freelancer Rachel and smooth go-getter Sule meet in a club and casually hook up.
Sexual behaviour is also explored in Sam Potter's The Unicorn (June 7-24) as a woman tries to combat loneliness through casual sex. And Duck (June 27-July 15) is Imy Wyatt Corner's searing examination of cricket, race and priviledge at a posh English school.
Arcola's artistic director Mehmet Ergen said: “What a joy to reopen Studio 1 with such a wide array of relevant and entertaining work. We’ll be continuing to programme engaging and dynamic work in Studio 2, our new writing powerhouse, throughout the year. Being able to share such important stories is a privilege we don’t take for granted."
Under The Black Rock runs from March 2-25 at Arcola Theatre. Tickets now on sale at https://www.arcolatheatre.com/whats-on/
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