National Theatre - Lyttelton Theatre, London
DARA in the Lyttelton Theatre is adapted by Tanya Ronder from Shahid Nadeem’s play.
Originally performed by Ajoka Theatre, Pakistan, Dara is directed by Nadia Fall.
Spanning the life of two princes from cradle to grave, DARA is an intense domestic drama of global consequence – for Hindustan then and for our world now.
THE CAST
The cast includes Nathalie Armin, Rudi Dharmalingam, Vincent Ebrahim, Ranjit Krishnamma, Anjli Mohindra, Anneika Rose, Chook Sibtain and Anjana Vasan.
THE STORY
1659. Mughal India. The imperial court, a place of opulence and excess; music, drugs, eunuchs and harems. Two brothers, whose mother’s death inspired the Taj Mahal, are heirs to this Muslim empire. Now they fight ferociously for succession. Dara, the crown prince, has the love of the people – and of his emperor father – but younger brother Aurangzeb holds a different vision for India’s future. Islam inspires poetry in Dara, puritanical rigour in Aurangzeb. Can Jahanara, their beloved sister, assuage Aurangzeb’s resolve to seize the Peacock Throne and purge the empire?
THE CREATIVE TEAM
Shahid Nadeem is a co-founder and Executive Director of Ajoka Theatre, Pakistan, where DARA was originally performed.
Tanya Ronder’s plays include Table and an adaptation of Pirandello’s Liolá for the National; adaptations of Macbett for the RSC, Filumena and Blood Wedding for the Almeida, Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens, and Vernon God Little (nominated for an Olivier Award for Best New Play) and Peribanez for the Young Vic.
Nadia Fall’s work at the NT includes Home, The Doctor’s Dilemma, Chewing Gum Dreams and Hymn. Other recent work includes Hobson’s Choice at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and Disgraced at the Bush Theatre.
Additional Information
Venue Information
National Theatre - Lyttelton Theatre, Upper Ground, SE1 9PXNearest Tube or Train: Waterloo (Jubilee line, Northern line, Bakerloo line)
Nearest Buses: 1, 4, 26, 59, 68, 76, 139, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 243, 341, 521, X68, RV1
Directions:
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Enjoyed the play immensely. The sets are amazing. Nadia Fall, the director of the play has done a superb joy.
I Loved it !
The Court scene at the end of the first act was electrifying.
The story jumps back and forth in time which can be confusing – but overall it was the best thing I have seen in ages – and chillingly apt for these times.