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Theatre

Dara, National Theatre

20 Jan 15 – 04 Apr 15, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Tanya Ronder adapts an all-singing, all-dancing epic history play, written by a Pakistani playwright and first produced by Ajoka Theatre, Lahore

By Lucy Brooks on 9/10/2014

1 CW reader is interested
Dara, National Theatre
Dara, National Theatre
Dara, National Theatre Dara, National Theatre Lucy Brooks
The National Theatre’s programming of Dara signals a purposeful engagement with a vital contemporary issue; the West’s understanding of Islam, and the schisms that exist within the religion itself. This is not just another kitchen sink drama about multicultural Britain...
Royal succession and Ideological divide
Dara tells the story of Shah Jehan, the Mughal Emperor famous for building the Taj Mahal in his wife’s memory. His two sons, Dara Shikoh and Aurangzeb, battle to succeed him after his death. The royal themes, rich characters and poetry promised by all accounts of the production lead us to expect a production with the scope and power of King Lear.
Beyond the romantic plot-line, the play is also a portrayal of two fundamental Muslim ideologies; Dara is a poet who preaches harmony between faiths, representing the Sufi branch of the religion. Whilst Aurangzeb interprets the faith according to strict Shariah law. In dramatising this true story, writer Shahid Nadeem has called the play a ‘humble contribution to show that Islam is not about hatred or prejudice but instead is about love and harmony.’ Throughout productions in Pakistan and India, Dara has provoked discussion about the modern reverberations of this ideological divide, evident on a daily basis in Middle Eastern conflict.
The roots of Islam
For those of us who only experience such conflict through a TV set or newspaper, this is a wonderful opportunity to deepen understanding of the roots of the religion. And we think Tanya Ronder, renowned for her adaptation of Vernon God Little for the Young Vic in 2007, is a perfect choice for this act of translation. The UK’s relationship with Islam dominates mass media, so it is exciting to see the National Theatre staging its history in a production that is set to be as spectacular, tragic and philosophical as any Shakespearean blockbuster.



What Dara, National Theatre
Where National Theatre, South Bank, London, SE1 9PX | MAP
Nearest tube Waterloo (underground)
When 20 Jan 15 – 04 Apr 15, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Price £15-50
Website Click here for more information from the National Theatre



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A little more...

  • Exclusive Offer 

    Discount

    Use promo code 'DARA20' for access to exclusive seats, usually £50, for £20.

    Enter Promo Code ‘DARA20 online or call 020 7452 3000 and quote ‘DARA20’

    Subject to availability 

    What the critics say

    DAILY TIMES

    "The play not only has a compelling storyline, but the production is also crisp and uniform. With elements ranging from live musical performances of Amir Khusro’s poetry to beautifully choreographed dances, there is theatrical perfection in every scene. As the scenes change, the audience is treated to a performance by colourfully dressed dancers, and the sounds of qawaalis echoes across the auditorium, mesmerising the crowd."

    Abdul Nishapuri

    Practical

    THE NATIONAL THEATRE

    As one of London's more finely balanced examples of Brutalist architecture, the National Theatre has long remained a domineering icon of the South Bank. Architects Sir Denys Lasdun and Peter Softley pushed the boundaries of theatre design with three vast stages (opening between 1976 and 1977) that happily accommodate the most ambitious of productions.With a rich programme that simultaneously shows Shakespeare, international classics and contemporary theatre, for many, the Nation's theatre rarely fails with the with the quality of its direction, staging and performance.

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We recommend nearby

  • Green Room

    A great place to eat or relax, the Nation Theatre's Green Room is enclosed in a sustainable garden, which acts as an urban oasis amid the hustle and bustle of the Southbank. The Green Room is open from noon until midnight from Monday-Saturday, and until 10pm on Sundays.

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