Sandra Oh made her London stage debut in a gender-swapped adaptation of Molière’s classic comedy "The Misanthrope," presented at the National Theatre. The production, directed by National Theatre artistic director Indhu Rubasingham, premiered on June 24, 2026, and features a contemporary reimagining of the 17th-century play written by playwright Martin Crimp.

In this version, the original male protagonist Alceste is re-envisioned as Alice, a successful novelist grappling with the pressures and hypocrisies of modern society. Alice, portrayed by Oh, is determined to speak her mind unabashedly, rejecting the social “swiveling” and performative politeness that surrounds her. This refusal to conform places both her professional standing and a coveted literary prize in jeopardy.

The narrative explores themes of authenticity and societal expectation through Alice’s interactions with her close circle, including her friend John, a playwright played by Paul Chahidi. John serves as a foil, embodying the social tact Alice despises, highlighted in scenes where he masks honesty in favor of politeness. The character provides a vehicle for sharp commentary on contemporary social mores, reflecting the play’s current-day setting.

Alice’s romantic relationship with Stefan, a celebrity partner portrayed by Tom Mison, introduces tension in the storyline, though some critics found their dynamic less convincing. Stefan’s obsession with image contrasts with Alice’s candid nature, raising questions about compatibility and the performative aspects of relationships in the public eye.

Crimp’s adaptation relocates the story from the court of Louis XIV in 1666 to the modern era, incorporating references to current cultural phenomena such as cancel culture and the use of intimacy coordinators in theater. Despite the update in time and context, the production retains elements of baroque aesthetics through Robert Jones’s elaborate set design, blending past and present visually.

This staging marks Crimp’s second adaptation of the play, following an earlier acclaimed version in 1996 featuring Uma Thurman, which was later revived in 2009 with Damian Lewis and Keira Knightley. While the earlier version received praise for its incisiveness, this latest rendition has drawn mixed responses, with some appreciating the topical dialogue and others suggesting the script’s abundance of satirical targets sometimes dilutes its impact.

Overall, the production offers a contemporary lens on Molière’s exploration of misanthropy and social pretense, anchored by Sandra Oh’s compelling lead performance.