Unconventional Theatrical Production to Be Staged at The Questors
Actor asked to perform script which has just been unsealed
Actors who will be performing during the run. Picture: Robert Vass
October 10, 2024
A piece of experimental theatre which is currently being performed in the West End, is to be staged at The Questors in Ealing.
White Rabbit Red Rabbit by Nassim Soleimanpour is currently being tackled in London's West End theatre Soho Place including celebrities such as Daisy Edgar-Jones, Michael Sheen and Richard Gadd.
Now local performers will also be taking on this experimental piece which has been has been described as the ultimate theatrical challenge.
Currently being performed in the West End by a star-studded cast, it comes to Ealing later this month with local performers taking on this
It is piece of theatre is written for a solo actor who has never seen it before and who must open a sealed script on stage and perform straight away. No rehearsals, no director, no spoilers, and no repeats.
It’s not just a novel experience for the actor – the audience witness and share in an experience that will only happen once. The contents of the play are shrouded in secrecy, but the whole production is designed to unsettle and provoke thought.
Forbidden to leave his country, Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour distilled the experience of a generation born amidst the hardship of the Iran-Iraq war into this original format. The script was then sent out to be performed by individual actors who stand in for the playwright, enabling Soleimanpour’s voice to be heard around the world. His advice to the actors performing was “These cold reads are fuelled by curiosity, so be curious, be yourself, be honest.”
Since its premiere at the 2011 Edinburgh festival White Rabbit Red Rabbit has been translated into more than 30 different languages and been performed over 3000 times by some of the biggest names in theatre and film.
Becky Hartnup, who provided creative direction, said, “There is so much excitement surrounding White Rabbit Red Rabbit – it’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for both the cast and audience. Each night is a completely unique event, as a different performer steps onto the stage, removes a sealed script, and reads Nassim Soleimanpour’s words for the very first time.
“These actors have never seen the play, never read it, and have no idea what’s in store for them. They will experience the unfolding story right alongside the audience. This sense of immediacy creates a powerful emotional connection making every performance an unpredictable adventure. With no two shows alike, and a brilliant cast, you can watch it again and again, exploring thought-provoking themes which challenges both actor and the audience. So we ask – are you feeling adventurous?”
This play is not overtly political and very expressly avoids overt political comment..
White Rabbit, Red Rabbit will be performed in the Studio at The Questors Theatre from Tuesday 29 October to Saturday 2 November at 7:30pm, plus a matinee on Saturday 2 November at 2:30pm.
Standard tickets: £14-£24 with concessions at £12-£22 and students £10-£14. It runs for 65 minutes and is recommended for ages 16 and above.
Performers
James Burgess - 29 Oct
Robert Baker-Glenn - 30 Oct
Maggie Turner - 31 Oct
Lawrence McGrandles - 1 Nov
Tristan Marshall - 2 Nov 2:30pm matinee
Jordan Wilks - 2 Nov 7:30pm
Book tickets for White Rabbit Red Rabbit.
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