Josie Rourke Named as New Artistic Director of Donmar Warehouse

Michael Grandage, artistic director of Donmar Warehouse said in September that "with the Donmar's reputation in a particularly exciting place both at home and abroad, I feel now is the right moment to start a hand-over period to a new Artistic Director. It will enable someone to build on the success we have achieved over the last nine years and to look to the future with real confidence."

That artistic director will be Josie Rourke, who will take over from Grandage on January 1st, 2012. Rourke first worked with the Donmar Warehouse in 2000 as a resident assistant director. In addition to directing the 24 Hour Plays at the Old Vic, she also currently serves as artistic director of London's Bush Theater.

"Nothing could make me more proud than to return to the place where I began," Rourke said in a statement published by the New York Times.  "[I will inherit] the legacy of 20 years of wonderful productions, extraordinary performances and great nights out at the theater."

The Donmar Warehouse has, under Grandage, won over 80 major awards including Olivier's, Tonys, Critics' Circle and Evening Standard Awards. For Michael personally this includes, Tony and Drama Desk Awards for Best Director of a Play for RED, Evening Standard and Critics' Circle Awards for Best Director for IVANOV, Evening Standard and Critics' Circle Awards for Best Director for THE CHALK GARDEN, Evening Standard Award for Best Director for OTHELLO, Critics' Circle Award for Best Director for THE WILD DUCK, Olivier Award for Outstanding Musical Production for GUYS AND DOLLS, Evening Standard Award for Best Director and Olivier Award for Outstanding Musical Production for GRAND HOTEL, and Olivier Award for Best Director for CALIGULA.

To read the full New York Times article, click here.