Making a brief appearance

Anyone who has enjoyed the show “Killing Eve” or the movie “Free Guy” has likely come away as a fan of the incredibly talented Jodie Comer. The versatile actress commands the stage with a solo performance in the UK premiere of “Prima Facie,” screened in HD at the Newport Performing Arts Center this Friday, Jan. 6.

Comer plays Tessa, a young, brilliant barrister who has worked her way up from working class origins to be at the top of her game — defending, cross examining and winning. An unexpected event forces her to confront the lines where the patriarchal power of the law, burden of proof and morals diverge.

The award-winning play, written by Suzie Miller and directed by Justin Martin, was entirely sold out during its nine-week run in London and has been met with critical acclaim for the beautiful staging, the incredible score and especially Comer’s performance, described by the Evening Standard as “extraordinarily gutsy and rich.”

National Theatre Live brings the best of British theater to cinema screens around the world. Each broadcast is filmed in front of a live audience using state-of-the-art filming techniques.

This production has been sponsored locally by Porthole Players. The play features sensitive subject matter which may cause distress or trigger challenging emotions for some viewers, including references to sex, violence and assault.

The screening begins at 7 pm. Tickets range from $15 to $20. The Newport Performing Arts Center is located at 777 W Olive Street. For more information, go to coastarts.org or call 541-265-2787.