The Hairy Ape

A EUGENE O'NEILL CLASSIC COMES TO LONDON

Eugene O'Neill's seminal play about class divisions comes to the Old Vic this October in a timely exploration of what it means to be human. When Yank (Bertie Carvel), a burly and strong stoker on a transatlantic steamer, has a run-in with the snobbish daughter of the liner's owner, he begins a dark journey of self-exploration and discovers where he belongs in the greater scheme of things. Directed by Richard Jones of Anna Nicole and Into The Woods fame, this iconic American play is given a new revival in a British theatre.

What is The Hairy Ape About?

We follow the story of Yank, an earthy labourer who enjoys his status as the strongest stoker on a transatlantic ocean liner. Unfortunately, not everybody is enamoured by his strength as his co-workers; Yank is called a "filthy beast" by the snooty daughter of a passing steel merchant. Experiencing a full crisis of identity, he emabrks on a journey through both wealthy neighbourhoods and disenfranchised underclass of New York society. As his search for a way to belong becomes more desperate, Yank is forced to confront the ultimate question; where is his true place in the world, and will he be able to find it?