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John Lithgow’s Acclaimed Performance Elevates 'Giant' in Sold-Out West End Run

Mark Rosenblatt’s debut play, exploring Roald Dahl’s antisemitism and its legacy, captivates audiences with its timely themes and nuanced performances.

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Overview

  • The play 'Giant,' written by Mark Rosenblatt and directed by Nicholas Hytner, dramatizes the fallout from Roald Dahl's 1983 antisemitic remarks in a fictionalized luncheon with his publishers.
  • John Lithgow’s portrayal of Dahl has earned widespread critical acclaim for its complexity, blending charm, cruelty, and prejudice in a career-best performance.
  • The production, which transferred to London’s Harold Pinter Theatre on May 1, follows a successful Royal Court run and multiple Olivier Awards wins.
  • Set against the backdrop of Dahl’s Gipsy House renovations, the play delves into themes of artistic legacy, personal accountability, and the separation of art from its creator.
  • The play resonates strongly with current events, particularly the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, amplifying its contemporary relevance.