PARADISE OF THE ASSASSINS to Play Belgrade Theatre This October

An adventure story of love, devotion and betrayal comes to the Belgrade Theatre this October in Paradise of the Assassins, presented by Tara Arts and Theatre Accord. The Belgrade Theatre will be the only venue to receive the production outside of London, following its run at the 100 seat Tara Arts Theatre, South West of the capital.

This first-ever adaptation of Abdul Halim Sharar's most famous work set in medieval Persia, tells the story of young lovers Hussain and Zamurrud, who have eloped and are on their way to Mecca to sanctify their marriage. After spending a night rough in the Alburz mountains, Zamurrud is kidnapped by the Assassins and held prisoner in a man-made Paradise. In order to be reunited with his love, Hussain must renounce his faith.

This chillingly resonant story, written over a century ago, charts Hussain's radicalisation through the medieval Islamic sect in order to regain his love. The story's action shifts from the humorous to the terrifying, depicting the influence of one of history's most notorious organisations - the medieval Assassins - in a dynamic and pertinent adventure story of love and loyalty.

Paradise of the Assassins is brought to life by an ensemble cast of eight versatile actors led by Asif Khan (Love, Bombs and Apples) and recent RADA graduate Skye Hallam, with Ralf Birtwell and Mitesh Soni who appeared in Tara's recent production of Macbeth. The show features original music from Tara Associate Danyal Dhondy and a set designed by Linbury Prize finalist Matilde Marangoni.

Director Anthony Clark said, "The struggle for people of faith not to compromise what they believe in, in the face of unforeseen circumstances goes to the heart of the human condition. This story touches on terror as political phenomenon and I am interested in the perpetrator who is also a victim."

Author Abdul Halim Sharar was a left-wing progressive writer in Urdu in late 19th century India. Born in Lucknow just after the 1857 Mutiny against the British, he developed his writing career by serving as a correspondent for the Oudh Akhbar- an immensely popular Urdu weekly. He wrote over 100 books and stories during his lifetime, including a three volume history of Islam on commission from the Nizam of Hyderabad, which he completed shortly before his death in 1926.

Anthony Clark is a multi-award winning director with over four decades of experience. His previous roles include Resident Director at The Orange Tree Theatre, London; six years as Artistic Director of Contact Theatre, Manchester; twelve years as Associate, and then Artistic Associate Director at The Birmingham Rep and seven years as Artistic Director of Hampstead Theatre, London. Throughout his career he has freelanced extensively including at The National Theatre, RSC, Bristol Old Vic, The Young Vic, Nottingham Playhouse, Watford Palace, Leicester Haymarket and Tara Arts. He is the founder of Theatre Accord, which strives to explore diversity in the contemporary world through drama that is vibrant and resonant.

Paradise of the Assassins plays at the Belgrade Theatre from Thurs 13 - Sat 15 Oct. Tickets are available now priced from just £14.50 by calling the Belgrade's friendly Box Office team on 024 7655 3055 or visit www.belgrade.co.uk for even cheaper tickets online.

Photo Credit: Tristram Kenton

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