Caryl Churchill Premieres Triumph in London and New York

Playwright Caryl Churchill’s new short play, Triumph, premiered at London’s Almeida Theatre. The minimalist production satirizes modern political authoritarianism through historical accounts of Roman emperors drawn from the writings of Suetonius, featuring Kate O’Flynn as a press secretary wearing a blonde wig.

Playwright Caryl Churchill has debuted her latest work, a short drama titled Triumph, concurrently at London’s Almeida Theatre and New York’s Public Theater.

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O’Flynn portrays Iris, a press secretary to an elusive and brutal emperor who dons a blonde wig—reminiscent of Karoline Leavitt and, until just hours after the press performance, Katie Zacharia—for her broadcasts to praise the ruler.

Playwright Adapts Historical Accounts From Suetonius for Satire

The script derives its subject matter directly from historical texts. Pre-show signage and the written text confirm that everything the emperors are said to have done in the play is taken from the Roman historian Suetonius—who penned , a set of biographies of Julius Caesar and the first eleven emperors—and his descriptions of rulers from Julius Caesar to Domitian.

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During the performance, Iris merrily trumpets the ruler’s more acceptable achievements, such as pearls imported from Britain, gold from the temples of Gaul, and statues erected to his own glory, while talking with her lover Marcus—an opposition journalist who urges her to question her actions. As ratings soar following her televised statements, she is told that ‘the people like a strong emperor’, illustrating how administrations use public relations to gloss over severe violence.

Reviewers Draw Connections to Contemporary Geopolitics

Reviewers connected the play’s themes to contemporary geopolitical events, noting how modern leaders and officials utilize media spectacle.

Caryl Churchill Premieres Triumph in London and New York — Photo: WhatsOnStage

At 88, Caryl Churchill continues a long career in British theatre. Her prior works include Escaped Alone, staged at the Royal Court in London in 2016, as well as notable pieces that began with a famous dinner-party scene featuring five notable women from history as both radical pioneers and social victims before exploring the contradictions of the modern working woman. Meanwhile, the National Theatre is about to revive Cloud Nine, and the Almeida has just announced three more short plays to be presented together early in the New Year.

Triumph is playing at the Almeida Theatre in London until October 23, 2026. The run includes captioned performances and relaxed environments scheduled respectively on 16 and 20 October.