Ruth Negga withdraws from Dublin theatre festival show Radio Bette

A new star is now needed for the show

The Oscar-nominated Irish actor has pulled out of the show, which is being staged as part of the Dublin Theatre Festival, with New York-based theatre company The Goat Exchange confirming her departure on Friday.

Those who had already purchased tickets were subsequently notified, although no reason has been given for the decision, RTÉ reports.

Her exit will not affect the production’s schedule, with performances still due to take place from 23 to 27 September. Organisers are now looking for a replacement, with the festival saying the new cast member should be revealed within seven to 10 days.

Old Hollywood returns in a new way

Radio Bette is a rather unusual theatrical experiment, drawing inspiration from a 1951 radio recording featuring Bette Davis.

The idea is for the performers to hear the original audio as the show unfolds and then recreate the broadcast live, effectively bringing the voices and personalities of some of Hollywood’s biggest stars back to the stage.

Alongside Davis, the production explores characters associated with Marilyn Monroe, Anne Baxter and Thelma Ritter, combining the glamour of classic Hollywood with a more experimental style of live theatre.

The Goat Exchange said Negga had played an important role in developing the project, thanking her for the “time, generosity, and extraordinary work” she had contributed before stepping away.

Negga is one of a number of Irish screen names attached to major projects at present; JOE has reported on Caitríona Balfe joining the live-action Tangled remake. The withdrawal was also reported by The Journal.