Washing their hands of pilot?

The American Pilot aims to explore the way the world sees America and the way America sees the world.

When a spy plane crash lands in a remote valley in a distant country, the villagers take in its wounded pilot.

The big question is: what should they do with him?

It is written by David Greig, who wrote Victoria for the RSC in 2000. He has also recently written When the Bilbul Stopped Singing last year and Caligula the year before.

Ramin Gray is directing the play and making his own RSC debut at the same time.

He is an associate director at the Royal Court and his recent productions there have included Ladybird last year and Terrorism in 2003.

On May 4, there will be the chance to hear more about how the directors tackled the piece in a special talk, which can also be booked at the box office.

The American Pilot is part of the RSC's New Writing programme for 2005, which is being staged at the Other Place, from April 27.

Solstice, another world premiere by Zinnie Harris which opened at the end of March is the other play running at the same time.

"Both plays are contemporary parables which take a sharp look at the forces shaping our world and combine atmospheric poetic writing with a witty lightness of touch," says the company.

Book a seat for either performance by calling the RSC ticket hotline on 0870 6091110 or logging on to www.rsc.org.uk.

l SUNDAY is Shakespeare's birthday and the RSC is celebrating with an open day.

Events are being staged from 10.30am to 5.30pm and will include talks, demonstrations and chances to join in with all kinds of activities, as well as hearing from big names like Patrick Stewart, David Bradley, Samantha Bond and CBBC's Poi Fan Lee.

Turn up and join in on the day or book up for some special events through the ticket hotline (0870 6091110 or at www.rsc.org.uk). On the same number, book up for The Big Party at the end of the day when there will be a fashion show, fireworks and dancing.