The Culture Project/Sulayman Al-Bassam Theatre, directed by Sulayman Al-Bassam.
Following the international success of The Al-Hamlet Summit, the Sulayman Al-Bassam Theatre Company returns to the UK with a new Arabic version of Richard III, specially commissioned for the Complete Works Festival.
Set in the contemporary Arab world, this production of Richard III unfolds within the hothouse, feudal atmosphere of desert palaces in an oil-rich kingdom. In this world of tribal allegiances, family in-fighting and absolute power, the questions of leadership, religion and foreign intervention that are at the heart of Shakespeare's play, take on powerful new meanings in a modern Arab-Islamic context.
The production is a window into the often misunderstood world of the Arabian Gulf in all its richness: its social customs, musical heritage and some of its darker mystical rituals.
Performed in Arabic with English surtitles, with a company of actors from across the Arab World, accompanied by a live Arab musical score.
Richard III - an Arab tragedy runs at the Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon from 8 - 17 February 2007, for 12 performances only.
Additional information
In Arabic with English surtitles. This production was originally titled The Baghdad Richard.
Flight partner: Kuwait Airways.
