The Drunks
Jonjo takes the role of Ilya in The Drunks, a new RSC commission by Mikhail and Vyacheslav Durnenkov. The Drunks played in repertoire at the Courtyard Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon from 21 August to 1 October 2009.
‘A provincial town is in search of a hero. A shell-shocked soldier downs vodka on his return from the frontline in Chechnya. As Ilya arrives home he stumbles into the epicentre of an extraordinary power struggle that threatens to tear the town apart. Jonjo rejoins the RSC following his acclaimed performances in the 2005 Gunpowder Season, whilst his other credits include Rupert Goold’s recent productions of King Lear with Pete Postlethwaite and Faustus at Hampstead Theatre.
The Drunks is directed by recently appointed RSC Literary Associate Anthony Neilson. An acclaimed writer and director, Anthony’s previous work for the RSC includes God in Ruins (Soho Theatre).
Mikhail Durnenkov is the author of fifteen plays and his critically acclaimed work has been seen at many new writing festivals.
His brother Vyacheslav has written over twenty plays, some in co-authorship with Mikhail. He has won several awards for his work, which has been seen in several countries, including at the Moscow Arts Theatre (RSC, 2009).