Keira Knightley, Stephen Dillane and Luke Thompson set for ‘The Lives of Others’ Stage Premiere
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**Robert Icke** is set to write and direct a new stage adaptation of **Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck**’s Oscar-winning film *The Lives of Others*. The production explores a writer and an actor living under close state surveillance, as the officer assigned to monitor them begins to question his own loyalties after becoming increasingly affected by what he observes, forcing him into a series of moral dilemmas.
**Keira Knightley, Stephen Dillane** and **Luke Thompson** will headline the world premiere of the adaptation, which comes to the [Adelphi Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/adelphi-theatre-london) on 14 October and runs until 9 January 2027.
The piece marks another collaboration between **Icke** and producer **Sonia Friedman**, following their work together on titles such as *Oedipus*, *Manhunt*, *Hamlet*, *The Doctor*, *Oresteia* and *1984*.
The creative team features set and costume design by **Hildegard Bechtler**, lighting by **Jon Clark**, sound by **Giles Thomas**, and an original score from acclaimed composer **Max Richter.**
**Friedman** said, “I’ve been obsessed with The Lives of Others ever since I first saw it - **Florian** **Henckel von Donnersmarck**’s exquisite, haunting, and completely masterful film, and there is no one better than **Robert Icke** to bring this to life onstage. He has this rare ability to combine huge ideas with real emotional truth, and I know he and the company will find a way to realise it that feels both unexpected and completely thrilling.
“Set in East Berlin in 1984 - a world where nothing is private, every word carries consequence, and the state holds power not just over lives, but over thought, speech and imagination itself, this world premiere is a reminder of how fragile those freedoms are, and of the cost and courage required to hold on to them.
“What I love most about it is that it’s both epic and intimate - incredibly beautiful, sad, and deeply moving - and at its heart, it’s an unlikely story about kindness. A story about connection and compassion in the most unexpected places.
“To have a company led by **Keira Knightley, Stephen Dillane** and **Luke Thompson** at the Adelphi Theatre this autumn makes it all the more special. And in an extraordinary coup, we’re incredibly excited that **Max Richter** will be composing new music for the production. **Max** is one of the great composers of our time, and his work has a depth and emotional truth that has the potential to break our hearts.
“I really can’t wait to share it with audiences.”
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