Rejecting Opera Culture In Crisis & Hip-Hop, Shakespeare Theatre Company To Stage Two Works Of Contemporary Epic Theater In Downtown Nation's Capital

Dear Pan Cogito,

I am so pleased to share with you The Great Game: Afghanistan and Black Watch. Both productions are among the most exciting pieces of theatre to come out of the U.K. in the past several years. They deal with issues of importance to us here in the U.S. and are done in exceptionally theatrical ways. How fitting it is that both highly charged productions launch their American tours here in the nation's capital.

I hope you will take a moment now to secure tickets for these special, limited engagements while seats are available. I look forward to seeing you at the theatre.

Warmest wishes,

Michael Kahn
Artistic Director
Shakespeare Theatre Company

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The Tricycle Theatre’s production of
The Great Game: Afghanistan
By Richard Bean, Lee Blessing, David Edgar, David Greig, Amit Gupta, Ron Hutchinson, Stephen Jeffreys, Abi Morgan, Ben Ockrent, Simon Stephens, Colin Teevan, and Joy Wilkinson Directed by Nicolas Kent and Indhu Rubasingham

September 15 – 26, 2010
Sidney Harman Hall

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

“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

The Great Game: Afghanistan explores Afghan culture and history, sparking discussion and debate on what is viewed by many as the most important focus of UK and American foreign policy of our time. Through the eyes of 12 leading British and American playwrights and the voices of those actively involved in the war and on U.S. & NATO policy in Afghanistan, The Tricycle Theatre Company’s The Great Game: Afghanistan explores, in three separate thrilling and provocative evenings, the culture and history of Afghanistan since Western involvement in 1842 to the present day. This ambitious political and theatrical event was proclaimed “an inspirational highlight of the year!” by The Independent.

Part 1: Invasions & Independence – 1842-1930
Starts with the first Anglo-Afghan War of 1842 and moves to Afghan independence in the 1920s.

Part 2: Communism, The Mujahideen & The Taliban – 1979-1996
Continues the story from the Russian invasion, through to US/CIA arming of the Mujahideen to the coming of the Taliban.

Part 3: Enduring Freedom – 1996-2010
Starts with the events of 9/11 in Northern Afghanistan, through to the overthrow of Taliban, the aid agencies working in the country and the current war against the insurgents.

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Shakespeare Theatre Company presents
The National Theatre of Scotland’s production of
Black Watch
by Gregory Burke
directed by John Tiffany
January 25 – February 6, 2011
Sidney Harman Hall
“One of the most richly human works of art to have emerged from this long-lived war.” Ben Brantley, The New York Times

Hurtling from a pool room in Scotland to an armored wagon in Iraq, Black Watch is based on interviews conducted by Gregory Burke with former soldiers who served in Iraq. Viewed through the eyes of those on the ground, Black Watch reveals what it means to be part of the legendary Scottish regiment, what it means to be part of the war on terror and what it means to make the journey home again. John Tiffany’s production from the National Theatre of Scotland makes powerful and inventive use of movement, music and song to create a visceral, complex and urgent piece of theatre.

This production of Black Watch launches its international tour at the Shakespeare Theatre Company, having played to universal acclaim in Australia, New Zealand, London, Toronto, Los Angeles, New York, Edinburgh and more.

Header credit: (c) John Haynes 2010. Copyright controlled.