Sandra Oh is set to make her London stage debut at the National Theatre this summer, starring in a contemporary reimagining of Molière’s classic play, *The Misanthrope*. The production runs from June 16 to August 1 in the theater’s SE1 venue.

Oh, a Canadian American actor known for her acclaimed television roles, takes on the lead character in a new adaptation by Martin Crimp. This version, originally penned in 1996 and now further updated under the direction of Indhu Rubasingham, relocates the 17th-century French comedy of manners to a politically charged and celebrity-obsessed London. It also shifts the focus from Alceste, the original male protagonist who detests the hypocrisies of high society, to Alice, a successful novelist who openly challenges the superficiality and dishonesty surrounding her.

Rubasingham, who is directing the production, described Alice as a “hugely intelligent, passionate and complicated character” and said Oh was an ideal choice to embody her. The director noted the adaptation explores themes of truth in a world where its meaning is increasingly contested, asking how society responds when confronted with unvarnished honesty. The character’s social conflicts increase as she refuses to conform to expected niceties, resulting in professional isolation.

The gender dynamics in the play are also updated: Alceste’s younger love interest Celimène is now Stefan, played by Tom Mison, raising questions about societal attitudes towards a woman involved with a younger man.

Oh expressed both excitement and apprehension about the role, acknowledging it scares her but representing a challenge she was eager to take on. She has recently embraced a period focused on theatre, following her success on television in shows such as *Killing Eve*. Since that series ended in 2022, Oh has performed in various stage productions, including her Metropolitan Opera debut and lead roles in *Twelfth Night* and *The Welkin* in New York.

Born in Ontario to South Korean immigrant parents, Oh pursued acting against their initial wishes, attending Canada’s National Theatre School and building a career that spans independent films, television, and theatre. She rose to international prominence playing Cristina Yang on *Grey’s Anatomy* from 2005 to 2014, a role that earned her critical acclaim.

Balancing stage work with screen projects remains important to Oh. After *The Misanthrope*, she plans to shoot a thriller in Toronto with Chinese director Wang Xiaoshuai. On stage, she has ambitions to take on diverse roles such as Blanche in *A Streetcar Named Desire* or King Lear, aiming to explore variety and depth in her work.

Oh’s preparation for the National Theatre run includes rigorous physical fitness and a focus on maintaining well-being, alongside finding spaces in London to rehearse lines outdoors. Though her aging parents will be unable to attend performances, she anticipates strong support from friends and colleagues, including notable actors like Awkwafina and Michelle Yeoh.

Drawing on long-standing friendships formed during her early acting training, Oh values the enduring connections in her life, which have grown richer through shared experiences over time.

The National Theatre’s production of *The Misanthrope* marks a significant new chapter in Sandra Oh’s career, offering a modern reflection on truth and social dynamics through a gender-flipped lens.