In a groundbreaking moment for both Sri Lankan and global theatre, Hiran Abeysekera is set to play Hamlet at the National Theatre in London in 2025 — becoming the first non-white actor to portray the iconic role on that prestigious stage.
The announcement marks a historic milestone not just for Abeysekera’s career, but for the National Theatre itself, as it takes a progressive step toward greater diversity and representation in classical theatre.
Hiran, who shot to international fame with his Olivier Award-winning performance in Life of Pi, will now join the ranks of legendary actors who have brought Shakespeare’s most complex character to life, including:
- Sir Ian McKellen (Gandalf) – 1971 & 2021
- Alan Rickman (Snape) – 1992
- Ralph Fiennes (Voldemort) – 1995
- David Tennant (Doctor Who) – 2008
- Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock) – 2015
- Andrew Scott (Moriarty) – 2017
- Tom Hiddleston (Loki) – 2017
Born and raised in Sri Lanka, Hiran began his artistic journey through school theatre before pursuing professional training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.
