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Ruth Negga’s return to the London stage marks a significant moment in her theatrical journey. The 43-year-old Ethiopian-Irish actor is set to star in the Barbican’s world premiere of QUIET SONGS in The Pit, where she’ll portray a teenage “Boy” in an experimental production featuring a unique blend of string quartet and sword-based instrumentation.

Her stage work has consistently demonstrated her willingness to challenge theatrical conventions, particularly in gender-fluid casting. A standout moment in her theatre career came with her acclaimed performance in the title role of HAMLET, directed by Yaël Farber at Dublin’s Gate Theatre in 2018, which later transferred to New York. Her most recent stage triumph was on Broadway, where she earned a Tony nomination for her portrayal of Lady Macbeth opposite Daniel Craig in 2022.

While Negga has achieved considerable success in film, including an Oscar nomination for LOVING (2016), her commitment to theatre has remained steadfast. Particularly drawn to unconventional roles, she embraces the artistic freedom that stage work offers. Her choice to perform in the intimate space of The Pit, despite her high-profile status, demonstrates her dedication to challenging theatrical experiences over commercial considerations.

Throughout her stage career, Negga has consistently pushed against traditional casting boundaries. Her approach to gender in performance is deeply thoughtful, rooted in her belief in exploring the internal worlds of characters regardless of their gender identity. This philosophy has shaped her theatrical choices and contributed to her reputation as one of theatre’s most versatile performers.

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