Richard III (An Arab Tragedy)

Overview

Adapted and Directed by Sulayman Al Bassam and produced by Georgina Van Welie this contemporary Arab version of Richard III was commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company as part of the Complete Works Festival in Stratford-Upon-Avon in 2007.

The play 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 offers 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.

The play was performed with a company of actors from across the Arab World, accompanied by a live Arab musical score.

Placing the historical play in this modern context provides a unique and fascinating opportunity to reflect on how the play’s dominant themes remain relevant across time and culture. The Sulayman Al-Bassam Theatre is an international ensemble of theatre practitioners, musicians and visual artists. Their projects are characterised by a radical approach to text, bold production styles and an uncompromising engagement with issues concerning the contemporary Arab world.

October 2010

This event was co-presented with Sharjah Theatre Group within the programme of Sharjah Theatre Days.
This project was part of Sharjah Biennial 9