Unpacking a Legacy: Giant at the Royal Court Theatre Confronts Roald Dahl’s Darker Side
"Giant" at the Royal Court Theatre is a hard-hitting, intricately layered drama that scrutinizes the controversial legacy of beloved children's author Roald Dahl, particularly the antisemitic views that marred his reputation. Written by Mark Rosenblatt and directed by the acclaimed Nicholas Hytner, the play explores the aftermath of Dahl’s 1983 public outburst in which his antisemitic sentiments caused widespread outrage. Set against the backdrop of his rural family home, the plot unfolds in a single, tension-filled afternoon where Dahl faces pressure from his publishers, friends, and loved ones to issue a public apology.
The drama is headlined by John Lithgow, who embodies Dahl with charisma, capturing the author’s sharp wit, volatile temper, and conflicted sense of pride. Lithgow’s portrayal humanizes Dahl, showing him as both a literary giant and a deeply flawed individual. The cast also features Romola Garai as Jessie Stone, Dahl’s Jewish American publisher, and Elliot Levey as Tom Maschler, Dahl’s British Jewish publisher, both of whom play pivotal roles in urging Dahl to confront the implications of his words. Rachael Stirling delivers a nuanced performance as Felicity Crosland, Dahl’s fiancée, while Tessa Bonham Jones and Richard Hope round out the ensemble as members of Dahl’s household.
The narrative captures the personal and professional stakes involved, with Dahl caught in a moral conflict—whether to issue a public apology to repair his reputation or stand by his inflammatory views. The crux of the play lies in the battles of loyalty, ethics, and public accountability, where Dahl's arrogance and resistance clash with the mounting pressure from those around him. The tension escalates throughout the play, as the characters challenge Dahl to confront the personal and societal consequences of his words, adding layers to the drama's complexity.
Set in the summer of 1983, the period-specific details and references provide historical grounding to the broader cultural conversations about prejudice and public figures. The set design, by Bob Crowley, is minimalist yet deeply symbolic, reflecting the confined emotional space within which the characters navigate their ethical dilemmas. Crowley’s design makes Dahl’s rural home feel intimate, yet isolating, underscoring the emotional claustrophobia that builds as the play unfolds. Anna Watson’s lighting is moody and atmospheric, enhancing the fraught energy in the room, while Alexandra Faye Braithwaite’s sound design subtly underscores the mounting tension.
Thematically, "Giant" does more than focus on Dahl’s antisemitism. It raises universal questions about the limits of free speech, the ethics of public figures, and the power of words to shape public discourse. By focusing on one afternoon, the play reveals the personal battles that mirror larger societal issues, making this an insightful commentary on the burden of fame and the moral complexities of historical figures.
Overall, "Giant" is a thought-provoking play that handles controversial themes with both sensitivity and rigor, thanks to a talented cast and a script that mixes dark humor with serious moral questions. It’s a powerful examination of a man whose literary genius is juxtaposed with his deeply troubling beliefs, offering a nuanced portrait of how public figures confront—and often evade—responsibility for their words.
