Obsession

Jude Law plays the magnetically handsome, down-at-heel Gino in a new stage adaptation of Visconti’s penetrating social drama directed by Ivo van Hove.Drifter Gino, powerful and graceful as a puma, encounters Giuseppe and his much younger, trapped wife Hanna (played by Halina Reijn) at their roadside restaurant and petrol station. He and Hanna are so irresistibly attracted to one another they begin an affair while plotting to murder her husband. But the crime does not unite them in this chilling story where passion can lead only to destruction.

Visconti’s first feature film Obsession (1943) gave rise to Italian neorealism, a cinematic movement highlighting the struggles of ordinary people in a time of upheaval. As Van Hove’s fourth Visconti production, it features a company of Dutch and British actors led by Law, whose charismatic stage and screen performances have established him as one of the foremost actors of his generation.

Obsession is one of three Toneelgroep Amsterdam productions directed here by Ivo van Hove in 2017. See After the Rehearsal/ Persona in September.



Please note that this performance contains nudity, scenes of a sexual nature, and loud gun shots. Smoking will also take place on stage.

Please be aware that the performance on Thursday 11 May will now start at 7pm and audiences must be seated no later than 6.45pm. This is due to the NT live streaming at this performance.


Approximately 1 hour 50 mins/no interval

Age guidance 16+ (contains adult themes)

Performed in English