The Great Game PART 3
Sun 19 Apr 2009 – Sun 14 Jun 2009
1996-2009 Enduring Freedom
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.’
HONEY
by Ben Ockrent
While civil war rages, a lone CIA agent realises the dangers of American disengagement. He’s found an ‘in’ to persuade Commander Massoud, the Lion of Panjshir, to help them get back into the game. But with the Taliban closing in on Kabul, will it be enough?
Cast includes Vincent Ebrahim, Jemma Redgrave, Michael Cochrane, Daniel Rabin, Nabil Elouahabi, Danny Rahim and Raad Rawi
Creatives include Nicolas Kent (Director), Pamela Howard(Designer), James Farncombe (Lighting Designer) and Tom Lishman (Sound Designer)
THE NIGHT IS DARKEST BEFORE DAWN
by Abi Morgan
The widowed Huma is trying to re-open her husband’s school following the American bombing and ‘liberation’ of Afghanistan; however she needs to persuade six more girls to attend. But Behrukh’s father is more concerned with his opium crop, and who will harvest it.
Cast includes Cloudia Swann, Shereen Martineau, Daniel Betts, Daniel Rabin, Sheena Bhattessa, Nabil Elouahabi, Vincent Ebrahim, Danny Rahim and Raad Rawi
Creatives include Indhu Rubasingham (Director), Miriam Nabarro (Designer), James Farncombe (Lighting Designer) and Tom Lishman (Sound Designer)
ON THE SIDE OF THE ANGELS
by Richard Bean
Jackie and Graham are working for Direct Action World Poverty east of Herat. They are thrown together to work on a new project about land rights. In trying to help and settle local disputes, the results are not what they expected, as Bollywood, women’s rights and tribal disputes create a toxic mix.
Cast includes Cloudia Swann, Jemma Redgrave, Daniel Betts, Tom McKay, Nabil Elouahabi, Daniel Rabin, Danny Rahim and Raad Rawi
Creatives include Indhu Rubasingham (Director), Miriam Nabarro (Designer), James Farncombe (Lighting Designer) and Tom Lishman (Sound Designer)
CANOPY OF STARS
by Simon Stephens
In a bunker guarding the Kajaki Dam, two soldiers talk of chips and gravy, football, women and whether the British should start to negotiate with the Taliban insurgents. A searing insight into soldiers at war, and what happens when they go home.
Cast includes Tom McKay, Karl Davies, Daniel Betts, Danny Rahim, Rick Warden, Jemma Redgrave and Cloudia Swann
Creatives include Nicolas Kent (Director), Pamela Howard(Designer), James Farncombe (Lighting Designer) and Tom Lishman (Sound Designer)