“A powerful mix of sex games and sectarianism…..expertly directed, witty and rawly topical” ★★★★ The Independent
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”
Supported by Arts Council, Backstage Trust, John S Cohen Foundation and Potter Foundation
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Reviews for The Nightmares of Carlos Fuentes:
“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
“Elouahabi has poignant charm”
The Times
“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
Opening performances (23 – 30 July) – all tickets £15
Saturday matinees at 4.00pm – £15 (£12 concessions)
Mid-week matinee Wednesday 13 August at 2.30pm
Pay What You Can Tuesdays 5 & 12 August – (tickets in person from 6.30pm – limited and subject to availability)
Recommended for ages 14+
Running time is approximately 75 minutes
Don’t miss the series of post-discussions focusing on the issues surrounding The Nightmares of Carlos Fuentes and its international context. These informative and informal panels will be open to anyone who has booked a ticket to see the show at any point during the run on a first-come, first-served basis. The discussions will begin ten minutes after the end of the play that evening, starting with IRAQ: NOW AND THE FUTURE on Thursday 24th July. Click [here](https://arcola1.staging.wpengine.com/events/the-nightmares-of-carlos-fuentes-post-show-discussions) for more information.
