NS Archive 2022: The White Card
A Northern Stage, Leeds Playhouse, Birmingham Repertory Theatre and Soho Theatre production, in association with HOME Manchester
29 April – 14 May
The UK and European premiere of Claudia Rankine’s first published play, The White Card poses the question: can society progress when whiteness remains invisible? Written in 2019 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.
Be an ally, be in the room, be in the conversation. The White Card invites us to all to play our part in the debate.
Toured to HOME Manchester, Leeds Playhouse, Birmingham Rep, Soho Theatre London
Cast
Estella Daniels – Charlotte
Christine Gomes – Alternate Charlotte
Nick Blakeley – Eric
Matthew Pidgeon – Charles
Kate Copeland – Virginia
CJ Coleman – Alex
Writer – Claudia Rankine
Director – Natalie Ibu
Set & Costume Designer – Debbie Duru
Sound Designer – Roma Yagnik
Lighting Designer – Rajiv Pattani
Movement Director – Rachael Nanyonjo
Production Dramatherapist – Wabriya King
Dialect Coach – Eleanor Manners
Fight Director – Rachid Sabitri
Wardrobe Supervisor – Naomi Daley
Assistant Director (RTYDS) – Wambui Hardcastle
BSL Interpreter – Lauren Lister
Casting Director – Simone Perira Hind & Anna Dawson
Sensitivity Reader – Adam Lenson
Costume Maker – Yve Ngoo
Production/Stage Management
Production Manager – Jerome Reid
DSM – Ferne Hudson
ASM – Erin Davis
Production Photos
Behind the Scenes
Reviews
★★★★ “Tense and timely, The White Card points fingers, but also points the way to positive change” – The Guardian
★★★★ “The play finds its mark, both in Rankine’s writing and in Natalie Ibu’s tightly orchestrated, intelligent production” – The Times
★★★★ “A strong cast makes Claudia Rankine’s exploration of the ‘invisibility of whiteness’ compelling” – The Observer
“Beautifully designed and powerful production” – The Stage
“a classy piece of work, beautifully presented and performed” – Cultured North East
Programme
View the programme for The White Card here.