Editorial Note — Soraya Alcalá
Sandra Oh continues to redefine contemporary acting with a career marked by versatility, global recognition, and a dedicated international following. Her work across television and film has earned her multiple awards and nominations, including Golden Globes and Emmy recognition, positioning her as one of the most influential performers of her generation.
Her leading role in The Misanthrope introduces a modern interpretation of a classic work, aligning with a moment in cinema where audiences are seeking bold, character‑driven storytelling. The film’s theatrical release on 22 September 2026 adds to a year of strong global premieres, reinforcing the relevance of international talent in shaping today’s cultural landscape.
© Soraya Alcalá · Original Editorial Note
The acclaimed actress leads a bold new adaptation of The Misanthrope, arriving in cinemas this September
National Theatre Live announces the release of The Misanthrope to cinemas from 22 September 2026. Directed by Indhu Rubasingham, this razor-sharp new version of Molière’s classic satire, adapted by Martin Crimp, will be captured live from the National Theatre’s Lyttelton stage and stars Sandra Oh in her National Theatre debut.
Written in contemporary verse, The Misanthrope interrogates 21st-century private relationships and public debate, with Molière’s infamous misanthrope Alceste reimagined as Alice. Alongside Sandra Oh, the cast includes Paul Chahidi, Abigail Cruttenden, Imogen Elliott, Rina Fatania, Freddie MacBruce, Tom Mison and Jemima Rooper.
Joining Indhu Rubasingham on the creative team are set and costume designer Robert Jones, lighting designer Tim Lutkin, composer Anna Meredith, sound designer Alexander Caplen, movement director Lucy Hind, casting directors Alastair Coomer CDG and Martin Poile CDG, voice coach Jeannette Nelson, associate director Gitika Buttoo and associate set and costume designer Ethan Cheek.
Sandra Oh said: “Making my National Theatre debut in The Misanthrope and working with Indhu (Rubasingham) is incredibly special, and I’m so excited that audiences beyond the theatre will get the chance to experience this through National Theatre Live. The National Theatre is one of the great homes of theatre, and NT Live has played such an important role in sharing that work with audiences around the world, extending the life of productions and opening them up to so many more people.”
Alice, a brilliant novelist, despises the hollow contemporary mantras of kindness and respect. But the bolder she becomes in speaking out, the more colleagues avoid her, and the more her personal relationships begin to fracture. As she challenges fashionable ideas and lends her voice to causes others are afraid to touch, she faces intense criticism and backlash. Alice will soon learn the price she must pay as an artist and as a woman for daring to speak her mind.
The Misanthrope will run in the Lyttelton theatre from 16 June – 1 August 2026.
Audiences can find their nearest screening at NTLive.com.
