Rufus Norris

Rufus Norris was born in 1965 and grew up in Ethiopia, Malaysia, and Nigeria. He studied acting at Rada and was an actor for several years before becoming a director. 

Rufus first came to prominence in 2001 with his production of Afore Night Come at the Young Vic, which led him to win the Evening Standard award for most promising newcomer. He has also directed theatre in the West End and on Broadway. He has directed Feast, Vernon God Little, Cabaret, Festen, and Doctor Dee (co-created with Blur frontman Damon Albarn). 

His film Broken was named Best British Independent Film at the British Independent Film Awards in 2012, after premiering at the Cannes Film Festival. His film work also includes adaptations of London Road and My Country. 

He became Director of the National Theatre in April 2015, the highest role in British Theatre, where he directed productions that include Small Island, Hex, Mosquitoes, and Nye, which will premiere in February 2024.

During his tenure at the National Theatre, he has prioritised new writing, increased representation, and improved gender balance. Rufus has also worked towards expanding the reach of the National Theatre through international and nation-wide work, and significant digital expansion, whilst navigating radical culture changes over the last decade. 

Rufus is now based in South London with his wife, playwright Tanya Ronder, and their two sons. When not at the National Theatre, he can usually be found cold water swimming off the Fife coast.