New Writing from the Arab World (2007-2017)

For over 20 years the Royal Court Theatre has collaborated with the British Council to support the development of new writing for theatre in many different parts of the world.

For more than a decade emerging playwrights from all parts of the Arab world have taken part in international residencies in London and long term projects in the region. In 2007 the first regional project took place over two years with 21 writers from seven countries: Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Syria and Tunisia. Many of the writers who took part in the original project are now leading writers of their generation. Many of these writers later became actively involved in political movements within their own countries and many lives changed dramatically, inspiring another new wave of playwrights.

Liwaa Yazji’s Goats produced in the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs (24 November-30 December) is very much part of this long term collaboration. To mark this occasion we are bringing together a panel of Arab and British writers who have been involved in these projects over the years. They will reflect on the impact of this work over the last decade and discuss the development of theatre in the Arab world, its challenges and opportunities in these turbulent times.

There will also be an opportunity to see a matinee performance of Goats in the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs at 2:30 pm at a discounted rate of £20. Simply book your tickets for New Writing from the Arab World in the same transaction as your matinee ticket for Goats on the same afternoon and the discount will be automatically applied.

Panel to include: Liwaa Yazji, playwright (Syria); Laila Hourani, playwright (Syria); David Greig, playwright (UK); Arzé Khodr, playwright (Lebanon); chaired by David Codling, Director of Arts, British Council (Middle East & North Africa). More speakers to be announced.
The event will be introduced by Elyse Dodgson, International Director at the Royal Court.

Photo taken by David Greig of first Royal Court/British Council workshop in Damascus, 2007