Last March, Adrien Brody received the best-actor Oscar at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles for his role in The Brutalist. Exactly one year later, he is poised to make his Broadway debut alongside Tessa Thompson in Lindsey Ferrentino’s play The Fear of 13. Previews will begin on March 19 at the James Earl Jones Theatre, with the official opening night scheduled for April 15.
The Story Behind The Fear of 13
The play, directed by David Cromer, draws from David Sington’s 2015 documentary of the same name. Brody portrays Nick Yarris, a man who spent over two decades on death row for crimes he consistently denied committing. Tessa Thompson takes on the role of Jackie, a prison volunteer who builds a meaningful connection with Nick. This production follows its world premiere at London’s intimate Donmar Warehouse in late 2024, where Brody’s performance earned him an Olivier Award nomination under the direction of Justin Martin.
Brody’s Deep Connection to the Role and Its Impact
In a recent profile by Sarah Crompton for Vogue’s winter 2025 issue, Brody shared the intense effect the play has had on him, saying,
“I wake up with dialogue from the play constantly in my thoughts.”
He also reflected on the healing power the production has had for Yarris, who frequently attends showings and benefits from the story being told. Brody remarked,
“He shared with me how I have personally lifted away so much pain and suffering by helping to tell his story.”
The production is supported by the Innocence Project, a nonprofit dedicated to exonerating wrongly convicted individuals through scientific evidence, which has helped free over 250 inmates.
The Significance of This Production and What Lies Ahead
The Fear of 13 not only marks a major theatrical milestone for both Brody and Thompson but also shines a spotlight on the issues of wrongful incarceration and justice reform. With its thoughtful storytelling and emotional depth, the play is expected to engage audiences while raising awareness about the experiences of those wrongfully convicted. As opening night approaches, expectations are high for this powerful drama to resonate deeply on Broadway.
