Maia Novi's semi-autobiographical play receives its UK premiere this September following its critically acclaimed Off-Broadway run.
Harrison Osterfield, Kalifa Taylor and Max Percy. Headshots provided by production.
Directed by Pulitzer Prize finalist Michael Breslin, Novi will reprise the lead role in Invasive Spaces alongside Harrison Osterfield, best known for his breakout role in Netflix’s The Irregulars.
Ella Blackburn (The Thing, White Bear Theatre), Max Percy (Peter Pan, Regent's Park Open Air Theatre), and Kalifa Taylor (A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story, Birmingham Rep).
Michael Breslin said today, “After a thrilling run in New York last summer, I am excited for London audiences to experience Maia’s hilarious and moving play. I am also excited to welcome a new company of brilliant UK actors into the whip smart, electric, and heartfelt world of Invasive Species.”
Invasive Spaces is based on Novi's own experiences in a youth psychiatric ward. Billed as a darkly comic and moving play, it garnered attention for touching on poignant issues of immigration, identity politics, and mental health. It follows a young immigrant drama student who suffers a psychotic breakdown and is institutionalised, where she continues to pursue her dreams of being a Hollywood star while adapting to her new circumstances and befriending her fellow inmates.
The creative team is completed by Dramaturg: Amauta M. Firmino, UK Set Designer & Costume Supervisor: Damien Stanton, UK Associate Lighting Designer: Ben Jacobs, UK Associate Sound Designer: Dominic Brennan, Production Manager: Carrie Croft, and General Manager and Executive Producer: James Quaife.
Invasive Spaces will play at King's Head Theatre from 3 September to 3 October 2026.
