The Great Game PART 1
Fri 17 Apr 2009 – Sun 14 Jun 2009
1842-1930 Invasions & Independence
Parts 1, 2 & 3 can be seen separately and not necessarily in chronological order
For times of performances please see calendar of events
Click the publications to be taken to the reviews:
‘If anything drags, it’s the intervals. An inspirational highlight of the year so far.’ 
‘Mind blowing plays ride high. Something remarkable is happening at the Tricycle, where Afghan history and culture are being made manifest in a uniquely challenging, theatrically exciting way.’
‘Its scope is unparallelled. It’s a fine achievement.’
‘There is a deep thrill in hearing an audience fall silent, rapt in the drama….more impressive…the silence of an audience completely gripped by reality’
‘High on my list of the best theatrical experiences of 2009. The quality of the writing and the painstaking nature of the research are palpable throughout…Directed with precision and clarity by Nicolas Kent and Indhu Rubasingham and superbly acted by a company that includes Jemma Redgrave and the superb Paul Bhattacharjee, this is a challenging theatrical marathon of notable intelligence, insight, ambition and achievement.’
‘For sheer scale and ambition alone it deserves the highest praise.’
‘The cast of 15 is universally excellent. Sharp and entertaining and, as the best political theatre should, refuses to draw simplistic conclusions’
‘No former undertaking has boasted anything like the scope or ambition of The Great Game….immense. The terrific acting ensemble never flags, directors Nicolas Kent and Indhu Rubasingham continue to imbue each piece with fierce, coherent life’
‘A fascinating..diverse indictment…leaves you hankering for more.’
‘The Great Game is the year’s most ambitious theatrical event’
‘Nicolas Kent’s most ambitous project is a triumph’
‘An utterly enthralling and informative experience with terrific new pieces..don’t miss.’
BUGLES AT THE GATES OF JALALABAD
by Stephen Jeffreys
In January 1842 a contingent of British soldiers, 16000 strong, retreated from Kabul. Only a few stragglers were left alive in the British Army’s worst defeat in history. The General’s wife, Lady Sale, documents the battles in the Hindu Kush; whilst four buglers sound the advance at the gates of Jalalabad as a signal to any survivors.
Cast includes Jemma Redgrave, Daniel Betts, Tom McKay, Rick Warden, Karl Davies and Nabil Elouahabi
Creatives include Indhu Rubasingham (Director), Miriam Nabarro (Designer), James Farncombe (Lighting Designer) and Tom Lishman (Sound Designer)
DURAND’S LINE
by Ron Hutchinson
Amir Abdul Rahman has kept the Indian Foreign Secretary, Sir Mortimer Durand, cooped up in Kabul for weeks. Sir Mortimer is desperate to negotiate the division of Waziristan to avenge the humiliation of his father’s name. Rahman fights to protect his country’s borders from Imperialist map-making.
Cast includes Michael Cochrane, Raad Rawi, Rick Warden and Danny Rahim
Creatives include Nicolas Kent (Director), Pamela Howard(Designer), James Farncombe (Lighting Designer) and Tom Lishman (Sound Designer)
CAMPAIGN
by Amit Gupta
James Kite, ‘Special Adviser’ to the Foreign Secretary, needs to find a new approach to policy in Afghanistan. He summons the expert, Professor Khan, to advise on the potential success of a ‘supplementary plan’, conceived by the civil service but ignored by the previous administration. While Kite is certain that history can repeat itself, Khan is far from convinced that it will.
Cast includes Tom McKay, Raad Rawi, Karl Davies and Daniel Betts
Creatives include Nicolas Kent (Director), Pamela Howard(Designer), James Farncombe (Lighting Designer) and Tom Lishman (Sound Designer)
NOW IS THE TIME
by Joy Wilkinson
King Amanullah, his wife Soraya and his father-in-law, Tarzi are fleeing the capital. Their car is marooned in the snow, while Pashtun tribes and Tajik forces march towards Kabul.Will the Soviet Union help? Will the British interfere?
Cast includes Daniel Rabin, Vincent Ebrahim, Shereen Martineau and Daniel Betts
Creatives include Nicolas Kent (Director), Pamela Howard(Designer), James Farncombe (Lighting Designer) and Tom Lishman (Sound Designer)