Public Theater Completes Casting for GREAT GAME, 12/7

The Public Theater (Artistic Director Oskar Eustis; Executive Director Andrew D. Hamingson) announced complete casting today for THE GREAT GAME: AFGHANISTAN, the acclaimed Tricycle Theatre Company production that will be presented in three parts in association with and at NYU Skirball Center from December 1 through December 19 with an official press opening on Tuesday, December 7. Directed by Nicolas Kent and Indhu Rubasingham, THE GREAT GAME: AFGHANISTAN is an ambitious political and theatrical event that was recently nominated for an Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement. 
 
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 GREAT GAME: AFGHANISTAN explores, in three separate thrilling and provocative parts, the culture and history of Afghanistan since Western involvement in 1842 to the present day. The three parts can be seen in any order; marathon performances will be held on weekends.
 
"The Great Game is a rare and precious achievement, a theatrical event that actually leaves you knowing far more about the real world. We are in the ninth year of our war in Afghanistan and yet so much of that country's history remains a mystery to us," said Public Theater Artistic Director Oskar Eustis.  "In thrilling, dramatic form The Great Game brings that history to life. Nick Kent and his extraordinary company have my deepest admiration for their vision and integrity. I wish every American could see The Great Game; we would be a better and wiser country if we did."
THE GREAT GAME: AFGHANISTAN features 12 plays 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.
 
The cast for THE GREAT GAME: AFGHANISTAN features Daniel Betts, Sheena Bhattessa, Michael Cochrane, Karl Davies, Vincent Ebrahim, Nabil Elouahabi, Shereen Martineau, Tom McKay, Daniel Rabin, Danny Rahim, Raad Rawi, Jemma Redgrave, Cloudia Swann, and Rick Warden. 
 
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 leading up to September 9, 2001 in Northern Afghanistan, through to the overthrow of Taliban, the aid agencies working in the country and the current war against the insurgents. 
To further enrich the audiences' experience, The Public Theater, The Play Company, and New York University's Skirball Center will present THE GREAT GAME: In Conversation series, which will consist of on-going post-show discussions with notable panelists, a film screening, and a Public Forum event.  Be sure to check out our website for the most up-to-date information and to read about the panelists.
 
THE GREAT GAME: In Conversation Series Schedule:
 
Wednesday, December 1: "Reporting Afghanistan," a post-show panel discussion after Part 1.
Tuesday, December 7: Screening of the film Camp Victory, Afghanistan and a post-film discussion with the filmmaker
Thursday, December 9: "The Road to Governing Afghanistan," a post-show panel discussion after Part 2.
Tuesday, December 14: "Afghanistan after America, America after Afghanistan," a Public Forum event
Friday, December 17: "Rights and Development in Afghanistan," a post-show panel discussion after Part 3.
 
In addition to these special events, The Skirball Center will showcase the work of photojournalists Robert Nickelsberg and Ed Grazda.  Around performance times, the Skirball Center lobby will feature a bazaar with books and handmade arts and crafts from Afghanistan in the lobby.