Occupational Hazards, Hampstead Theatre
Hampstead Theatre presents Occupational Hazards, based on Rory Stewart’s memoir about the chaos and conflicts inherent in foreign occupation
Occupational Hazards poster via Hampstead Theatre
New play Occupational Hazards is based on the award-winning book by Rory Stewart, who was as a senior coalition official in Iraq between 2003-2004.
The play, written by Stephen Brown and directed by Simon Godwin (whose credits include Twelfth Night, The Beaux Stratagem, Man and Superman, and Richard II) centres around Stewart's experience as a governor in a province of the newly liberated Iraq.
In this stage adaptation, the protagonist’s job is ambitious and includes helping build a new peaceful civil society to handover to the Iraqi people. After an invasion and years of tyranny, however, the task seems formidable.
The ethnic divisions, sectarian tensions, and tribal conflict that persist in the country prove to be increasingly counterproductive to setting up a new administration. Stewart is left to deal with the interests of opposing groups with conflicting ideologies.
As Stewart is plummeted into a world of chaos, and the pressure for compromise begins to grow, he comes to the realisation that the politics in Iraqi are not only increasingly unique, but are also local. Washington may have to rethink its hopes for a democratic Iraq, as it beings to seem as if only the Iraqis can manage their country.
We look forward to seeing how this illuminating first-hand experience of conflict translates to live theatre.
Public booking opens on Monday 30 January 2017.
The play, written by Stephen Brown and directed by Simon Godwin (whose credits include Twelfth Night, The Beaux Stratagem, Man and Superman, and Richard II) centres around Stewart's experience as a governor in a province of the newly liberated Iraq.
In this stage adaptation, the protagonist’s job is ambitious and includes helping build a new peaceful civil society to handover to the Iraqi people. After an invasion and years of tyranny, however, the task seems formidable.
The ethnic divisions, sectarian tensions, and tribal conflict that persist in the country prove to be increasingly counterproductive to setting up a new administration. Stewart is left to deal with the interests of opposing groups with conflicting ideologies.
As Stewart is plummeted into a world of chaos, and the pressure for compromise begins to grow, he comes to the realisation that the politics in Iraqi are not only increasingly unique, but are also local. Washington may have to rethink its hopes for a democratic Iraq, as it beings to seem as if only the Iraqis can manage their country.
We look forward to seeing how this illuminating first-hand experience of conflict translates to live theatre.
Public booking opens on Monday 30 January 2017.
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| What | Occupational Hazards, Hampstead Theatre |
| Where | Hampstead Theatre, Eton Avenue, Swiss Cottage, London, NW3 3EU | MAP |
| Nearest tube | Swiss Cottage (underground) |
| When |
28 Apr 17 – 03 Jun 17, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM |
| Price | £10 - £35 |
| Website | Click here to book via Hampstead Theatre |