After a decade of working as artistic director of the Royal Court, Vicky Featherstone is stepping down.
Having established a 10-year time limit when taking the job in 2013, Featherstone has said she wishes to ‘hand over the guardianship of this extraordinary, enduring mission to someone else.’ Featherstone will remain in her post until a new artistic director is appointed.
Since joining the theatre, Featherstone has launched a six-week festival that included 133 performances and over 40 new plays, titled Open Court. During her tenure, the theatre has supported more than 600 writers through its writer development programmes, including Abi Morgan and Caryl Churchill.
Featherstone said: ‘Being artistic director of the Royal Court is one of best jobs in the world – creating something over 10 years with the most dedicated, passionate and thoughtful people throughout every single area of the organisation – from stage door to the board and the donors – with the actors, other artists and freelancers who bring all of themselves to make incredible plays happen, and of course having the ultimate privilege of being in daily conversations with visionary, transformational writers.
‘I would do it forever if I could. And although I am usually the last one to leave the party, it’s time for me to hand over the guardianship of this extraordinary, enduring mission to someone else,’ she continues.‘There are no words for how life-changing, challenging, invigorating and complex this job is, and like everyone who has ever done this role here, it is forever part of my DNA.’