THE ANARCHIST
by Karina Wiedman
in co-production with Jermyn Street Theatre
On the eve of elections in Belarus, Dasha must decide whether to flee the political unrest or fight like the anarchist she was...
THE ANARCHIST centres on middle-aged, middle-management Dasha, who is ordered to quell the anti-government protests in her factory by firing sixty workers. Her only escape is a one-way ticket to JFK, but when Dasha prepares to flee she cannot escape memories of her rebellious youth resisting the Soviets. As Belarus heads to the polls, Dasha must decide.
Jermyn Street Theatre's Carne Deputy Director Ebenezer Bamgboye directs the winner of the Woven Voices Prize for migrant playwrights. Judges hailed The Anarchist as gripping, timely, and deeply moving.
Originally from Kazakhstan, Karina Wiedman lived in Russia and Belarus before moving to the UK. This is her first play.
Cast Scarlett Brookes, Elisabeth Snegir, Ojan Genc
Playwright Karina Wiedman
Director Ebenezer Bamgboye
Designer Caitlin Mawhinney
Lighting Designer Catya Hamilton
Sound Designer Tony Gayle
Movement Director Adi Gortler & Sacha Plaige
"An innocent sense of humour amid political unrest. [...] This is an open-hearted and moving piece of writing that has the bravery to focus on the emotions that unite us rather than the politics that set us apart.”
Miriam Gillinson - The Guardian ★★★★
"A gripping exploration of youthful politicisation and the grinding down of those beliefs over a lifetime of disillusion and betrayal. [...] The Anarchist is an example of how new writing can be supported and enhanced by innovative staging and why migrant voices like Wiedman’s need to be heard."
Maryam Philpott - The Reviews Hub ★★★★
"A beautifully written play for our times.”
Jatinder Verma, chair of the Woven Voices Prize judges
©2018 Woven Voices Llp. All rights reserved.