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Danny Boyle has become the latest high-profile director to rule himself out of contention to succeed Nicholas Hytner as artistic director at the National Theatre, reports the Guardian.
The Oscar-winning director, who made his National Theatre debut two years ago to much acclaim with Nick Dear‘s adaptation of Frankenstein, has told the Telegraph he won’t be applying for the artistic director’s position, which comes free in 2015. However, he did express hope that he would return to the South Bank in the future.
“Frankenstein was fantastic because of the support they offered me, but I haven’t done much theatre work lately, and they don’t want to make a celebrity appointment,” he said. “That’s the wrong approach, but I’d love to work there again, with whoever gets it.”
Boyle is the latest of a number of hotly tipped candidates to distance themselves from the role. Michael Grandage, currently helming a 14-month, five-show season in the West End, has reportedly been approached about the position, but will not apply. Marianne Elliott has said that the job would be “particularly difficult for a mother” such as herself; and Dominic Cooke, fresh from the Royal Court, has spoken of being exhausted by his seven-year stint in Sloane Square. Dominic Dromgoole, artistic director of Shakespeare’s Globe, has also ruled himself out, the Guardian reported.
Before it withdrew the option, betting website Paddy Power had Boyle among the favorites for the job.
Hytner announced his intention to step down in April, though he will continue in the post until 2015. His successor will be appointed in the autumn, serving an interim period as director designate from early 2014.
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