The Great Game: Part 3

Sun 25 Jul 2010 – Sun 29 Aug 2010

1996-2010 Enduring Freedom

For 6 weeks only the Olivier Award nominated season returns,
prior to a Washington, New York and USA tour

Parts 1, 2 & 3 can be seen separately and not necessarily in chronological order

Download a PDF of the calendar of events by clicking here.

This is theatre as crusading journalism, a cavalcade of vividly realised and informative studies. Nourishing and demanding, The Great Game cements the Tricycle’s status as Britain’s leading venue for political theatre’.
Evening Standard, July 2010

‘The Tricycle’s enterprising and fascinating collection of short plays about Afghanistan will leave you feeling you have been both educated and entertained’ Financial Times, July 2010

‘If anything drags, it’s the intervals. An inspirational highlight of the year so far.’ Independent 

‘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.The Guardian 

‘Its scope is unparallelled. It’s a fine achievement.’ The Times

‘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’ Financial Times 

‘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… this is a challenging theatrical marathon of notable intelligence, insight, ambition and achievement.’The Daily Telegraph 

‘For sheer scale and ambition alone it deserves the highest praise.’ Sunday Times

‘The cast of 15 is universally excellent. Sharp and entertaining and, as the best political theatre should, refuses to draw simplistic conclusions’ Sunday Telegraph

‘A fascinating..diverse indictment…leaves you hankering for more.’ Time Out 

‘The Great Game is the year’s most ambitious theatrical event’ Metro

‘Nicolas Kent’s most ambitous project is a triumph’ Jewish Chronicle 

‘An utterly enthralling and informative experience with terrific new pieces.. don’t miss.’ Whatsonstage 

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)

Supported by the British Council: