The Stage as a Mirror: How 'Giant' Reflects and Challenges the Roald Dahl Legacy

The Royal Court Theatre’s 2023–2024 production Giant, a searing exploration of Roald Dahl’s antisemitism, has ignited a cultural reckoning with the author’s legacy. Written by Mark Rosenblatt and directed by Nicholas Hytner, the play confronts Dahl’s 1983 inflammatory review of a Lebanon War photobook—a text that likened Israeli actions to Nazi atrocities—and the fallout from his openly expressed prejudices. By dramatizing a fictionalized clash between Dahl and Jewish figures who demand accountability, Giant raises urgent questions about how society reconciles artistic genius with moral failings.

This article examines the play’s cultural impact, its implications for Dahl’s commercial legacy, and the broader financial stakes tied to revisiting problematic historical figures.

The Play’s Cultural Resonance

Giant’s success stems from its unflinching portrayal of Dahl’s antisemitism, grounded in his own words. The play’s fictionalized confrontation—between Dahl, his publisher Tom Maschler (a Holocaust survivor), and an American Jewish representative—exposes how Dahl conflated criticism of Israel with anti-Jewish stereotypes. Critics praised its avoidance of moral binaries, noting how it humanized Dahl’s vulnerabilities (e.g., chronic pain, grief) while condemning his bigotry.

The production’s timing is pivotal. It follows Dahl’s family’s 2020 apology for his antisemitic remarks and precedes ongoing debates over his literary legacy. The Royal Court Theatre’s commitment to this subject is not without risk: its 2021 play Rare Earth Mettle faced backlash for antisemitic tropes, prompting reforms. Giant, however, has been celebrated as a corrective, winning three Olivier Awards in 2024, including Best New Play and Best Actor (John Lithgow).

Financial Implications for Dahl’s Legacy

Roald Dahl’s works remain a commercial powerhouse. Netflix’s $1 billion 2020 acquisition of his catalog underscores his enduring appeal. Yet Giant’s exploration of his antisemitism raises questions: Could scrutiny of his views impact his cultural relevance—or even profitability?

Netflix’s stock has risen steadily since 2020, outperforming broader market indices. While the Dahl catalog’s direct financial contribution is opaque, the platform’s focus on family-friendly content (e.g., The Witches, Wonka) suggests his brand remains a valuable asset. However, the play’s success may force Netflix to balance Dahl’s popularity with sensitivity to evolving cultural norms.

The Roald Dahl Museum in Great Missenden has already acknowledged his racism and antisemitism as “undeniable,” pledging to collaborate with Jewish organizations on educational initiatives. Such steps may mitigate reputational risks for companies leveraging his name.

The Royal Court Theatre: A Venue in Transition

The Royal Court’s production of Giant reflects its institutional growth. Under artistic director David Byrne, it has prioritized inclusive pricing (half of seats under £22.50), enhancing accessibility. The theatre’s ability to stage provocative works without repeating past errors signals resilience.

Attendance at the Royal Court has rebounded post-pandemic, with Giant likely contributing to its 2023–2024 season success. The play’s sold-out runs and Olivier wins highlight the commercial viability of socially conscious theatre—a trend that could attract investors seeking to fund culturally relevant projects.

Broader Trends in Cultural Reckoning

Giant aligns with a global shift toward re-evaluating historical figures’ legacies. From toppled statues to revised textbooks, society increasingly demands accountability for past injustices. This movement has financial consequences: brands tied to controversial figures face reputational risks, while institutions addressing these issues may see enhanced public trust.

The play’s nuanced portrayal—showing Dahl as a flawed yet creative genius—offers a model for navigating these complexities. It avoids outright condemnation, instead inviting audiences to grapple with contradictions. This approach may prove financially sustainable, as evidenced by the play’s critical acclaim and box office performance.

Conclusion: A Legacy in Flux, but Not Fading

Giant’s success underscores that Roald Dahl’s commercial value remains intact, even as his legacy evolves. While his antisemitism has sparked debates, the play’s awards and audience engagement suggest his stories retain emotional power.

Key data points reinforce this:
- Netflix’s stock has grown by 40% since 2020, despite ongoing content controversies.
- The Royal Court’s 2024 Olivier wins signal critical validation for its risk-taking.
- Dahl’s family apology and museum reforms indicate proactive management of his legacy.

Investors in entertainment and cultural institutions should note that Giant’s approach—honest confrontation paired with artistic nuance—may set a new standard. As audiences demand accountability, works that engage with history’s complexities, like Giant, could drive both cultural relevance and financial returns. The Roald Dahl brand, for now, appears resilient—but its future hinges on how stakeholders balance nostalgia with ethical scrutiny.

In a world where art and activism increasingly intersect, Giant stands as a testament to the power of theatre to provoke, unsettle, and ultimately shape the way we remember—and profit from—the past.