EDINBURGH 2017: BWW Q&A- Deadly Dialogues

Tell us a bit about Deadly Dialogues.

We're taking you on a dystopian journey through stories old and new, from gritty British council estates to Syrian rooftops, as a young man battles his inner djinns, two girls exchange destinies from Dartford to Daesh, and the Muslim Banksy sprays colourful outrage across the night.

It's the result of two years' research and development based on real-life stories, and explores the complexity of human journeys into extremism and the taboos of imagery and blasphemy along the way.

Islamist extremists propagate a literal and medieval form of Islam, ignoring Islam's reAl Golden age: when art, culture and feminism were all at the forefront. So Deadly Dialogues imagines an antidotal ideology: the extreme reformists.

Why bring it to Edinburgh?

The Fringe has an unmatched reputation for audiences who love new writing, so it seemed the perfect place to premiere Deadly Dialogues. It's also fitting because much of the creative team came together through the 2016 Fringe. That's when the playwright, Nazish Khan, first discussed the script with the director, Jessica Lazar, who was working on Life According to Saki (Carol Tambor Award 2016) at the time. She loved it, as did the Saki creative team - so Anna Lewis and David Doyle quickly came on board too.

Some aspects of this play might be considered controversial, so we're also seeking an open-minded audience. The Quilliam Foundation supported the play because they believe in encouraging dialogue and debate through the arts, especially in the current climate where the imperative is greater than ever to try and understand 'the other.'

What sets it apart from other shows at the Fringe?

Deadly Dialogues has an important message drawing on extensive research, but it raises as many questions as it answers. Within the space of an hour it weaves comedy, tragedy, free verse, and complex movement, into a vital tapestry created by an experienced team. We are all incredibly excited to be involved in this project.

Who would you recommend comes to see you?

Anyone trying to understand the world we live in today. Or anyone who just wants to watch a good story unfold.

Are there any other shows you're hoping to catch at the festival?

There's quite a few! JoAnne Hartstone's The Girl Who Jumped Off the Hollywood Sign at Assembly Roxy is going to be great; The Waiting Game at Greensides looks exciting, as does Speaking in Tongues at the Pleasance Courtyard; and for something a bit different, Wolf Meat at Underbelly Cowgate should be some ribald fun!

Timings and ticket information for Deadly Dialogues can be found on the edfringe website.

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