The Nightmares of Carlos Fuentes
By Rashid Razaq | Based on a short story by Hassan Blasim
23rd July – 16th August 2014 | Arcola Theatre
A black comedy – an Iraqi refugee comes to London in search of his dream…
Salim, an Iraqi refugee, takes on a new identity In London after fleeing persecution in Baghdad. He is picked up, and marries a wealthy older woman, who enthusiastically coaches him in the bedroom for his forthcoming citizenship test. But Carlos Fuentes finds that knowing the names of all six of Henry VIII’s wives can neither satisfy his new wife nor turn him into a “Britishman”. The nightmare of the violence of his past catches up with him, and suddenly he is at the airport,accompanied by a G4 security guard, waiting for a plane to take him back to Iraq
The World premiere of Rashid Razaq’s new play is based on an award-winning short story by Hassan Blasim. It is directed by Nicolas Kent, who was artistic director of the Tricycle Theatre from 1984-2012, and the cast includes Nabil Elouahabi who was a leading actor in the Olivier nominated trilogy “The Great Game -Afghanistan” and on Channel 4 TV’s Bafta nominated “Top Boy”
“A powerful mix of sex games and sectarianism… Expertly directed and rawly topical.”
★★★★
The Independent
“The story of a traumatised Iraqi Everyman is a deeply sensitive piece of work”
★★★★
Financial Times
“Rashid Razaq offers a nightmarish but gripping glimpse into sectarian war in Iraq after Saddam Husain’s fall”
★★★★
Evening Standard
“An enjoyable and thought-provoking piece which, coupled with the delightful surroundings of Dalston’s classy Arcola, should not be missed”
★★★★
What’s On Stage
Directed by Nicolas Kent
Designer Ellan Parry
Lighting Design Matt Eagland
Sound Design Andy Graham
Starring
Nabil Elouahabi
Sara Bahadori
Caroline Langrishe
Selva Rasalingam
Executive Producers The Heritage Arts Company & PW Productions
Supported by Arts Council, Backstage Trust, John S Cohen Foundation and Potter Foundation
Casting Director Marilyn Johnson
General Manager Mat Burt
Production Manager Andy George
Stage Manager Sophie Sierra
Assistant SMs James Enser, Joanna Walker, Nicole Vardon
Set Construction Tim Highman, The Scenery Shop
Video & Projection Guy Spedding
Poster Design Shiv Grewal
Production Photographer Judy Goldhill
Marketing EMG
Press Representative Emma Holland
Social Media Manager Georgia Landers
Producers Nicolas Kent, Nabil Elouahabi
Executive Producers Heritage Arts, PW Productions
Assistant Producer Yinka Ayinde
Production Coordinators Jessica Hall, Willa Cunningham
Nick of Time Accountant Jon Catty
Financial Controller Bob Thomas
Production Accountant Dee Vithlani
We are very grateful to the following individuals, organisations and companies for their help with this production: Sheena Bhattessa , Cressida Brown, Lucy Jackson, Ben Latham & The Refugee Council, Richard Norton-Taylor, Liz Frankel, Ra Page, Estela Welldon, Richard Lee and the staff at the Jerwood Space, Peter Wilson, The Comma Press, The Mandeville Hotel, and all the staff at the Arcola Theatre.
