Adrien Brody, fresh from winning the best-actor Oscar for his role in The Brutalist last March at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, is set to make his Broadway debut in Lindsey Ferrentino’s play The Fear of 13. Tessa Thompson, acclaimed this awards season for her role in Nia DaCosta’s Hedda, will star opposite him. Previews will begin on March 19 at the James Earl Jones Theatre, with the official opening night scheduled for April 15.
A Story of Redemption and Connection on Stage
The Fear of 13 is adapted from David Sington’s 2015 documentary and centers on Nick Yarris, portrayed by Brody, who endured more than two decades on death row after being wrongfully convicted. Thompson will portray Jackie, a prison volunteer who develops a deep, lasting relationship with Yarris. The play premiered in London’s Donmar Warehouse in fall 2024, directed by Justin Martin, who also directs Prima Facie. Brody’s compelling performance earned him an Olivier nomination for Best Actor.
Brody’s Immersive Experience With the Role
In a Vogue profile by Sarah Crompton for the winter 2025 issue, Brody revealed how the play had profoundly affected him, saying,
“I wake up with dialogue from the play constantly in my thoughts.”
He also spoke about the impact of telling Yarris’s story, sharing that
“He shared with me how I have personally lifted away so much pain and suffering by helping to tell his story.”
This production is presented in partnership with the Innocence Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to freeing wrongfully convicted individuals through scientific evidence.
Significance and Anticipation for the Broadway Run
This production marks a major milestone for both Brody and Thompson, combining powerful storytelling with timely social themes. The collaboration aims to highlight issues of injustice and human resilience while bringing a critically acclaimed work to a broader audience on Broadway. Theatergoers can expect an emotionally charged performance that not only entertains but also sheds light on the fight for justice and the transformative power of connection.
