The Great Game PART 2
Sat 18 Apr 2009 – Sun 14 Jun 2009
1979-1996 Communism, The Mujahideen & The Taliban
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.’
BLACK TULIPS
by David Edgar
Christmas 1987. A super-power invaded Afghanistan eight years ago. Its troops were sent to combat backwardness and banditry, to defend women’s rights, to build hospitals and schools, but it didn’t work out quite like that. Now another group of Russian conscripts gets its final briefing before going in.
Cast includes Daniel Betts, Tom McKay, Nabil Elouahabi, Shereen Martineau, Karl Davies, Vincent Ebrahim, Rick Warden, Michael Cochrane, Raad Rawi, Danny Rahim, Cloudia Swann and Sheena Bhattessa
Creatives include Nicolas Kent (Director), Pamela Howard, Miriam Nabarro and Carl B Hamilton (Designers), James Farncombe (Lighting Designer) and Tom Lishman (Sound Designer)
WOOD FOR THE FIRE
by Lee Blessing
In order to de-stabilise the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan the CIA and ISI (Pakistan’s Intelligence agency) formed an unholy alliance with the Mujahideen. American weaponry was supplied to support the Jihad, and the Russians were eventually forced to withdraw. Wood for the Fire explores one of many facets of this secret war.
Cast includes Vincent Ebrahim, Rick Warden, Cloudia Swann and Danny Rahim
Creatives include Rachel Grunwald (Director), Pamela Howard(Designer), James Farncombe (Lighting Designer) and Tom Lishman (Sound Designer)
MINISKIRTS OF KABUL
by David Greig
The Taliban are closing in on Kabul: shells and rockets are exploding around the capital. A woman is interviewing
President Najibullah, who has sought refuge in the UN compound. He talks about fashion, communism, torture and whisky, but time is running out…
Cast includes Jemma Redgrave and Daniel Rabin
Creatives include Indhu Rubasingham (Director), Miriam Nabarro (Designer), James Farncombe (Lighting Designer) and Tom Lishman (Sound Designer)
THE LION OF KABUL
by Colin Teevan
Two Afghan aid workers disappear while distributing rice. Rabia, their UN Director of Operations, is determined to
discover what has happened to them. The problem is her organisation does not recognise the Taliban, and the Taliban does not recognise her. She seeks justice, but who is to dispense it?
Cast includes Shereen Martineau, Raad Rawi, Nabil Elouahabi, Vincent Ebrahim, Daniel Betts, Rick Warden, Daniel Rabin and Danny Rahim
Creatives include Indhu Rubasingham (Director), Miriam Nabarro (Designer), James Farncombe (Lighting Designer) and Tom Lishman (Sound Designer)