SAFAR
by Ahmad Sakhi
2021 (Applecart Arts) and 2023 (Arcola Theatre)
SAFAR is a research and development project spearheaded by Ahmad Sakhi with BÉZNĂ Theatre’s support, developed in two stages. Ahmad researched, develop & devised a first draft of an autobiographical play about his family’s journey from Afghanistan to the UK. BÉZNĂ provided dramaturgical, administrative and producing support, as well as supporting Ahmad to take the project forward.
After Rabani is kidnapped by the Taliban and miraculously saved by his midwife aunt, he and Hamida decide to leave Afghanistan with their children. On the journey to Europe, they become separated and must make difficult decisions along the way in order to survive.
Safar shares a journey of family, war and the treacherous journeys that refugees must go through to protect their families and give them a better life of security, safety and opportunity.
SAFAR R&D April 2023
Playwright: Ahmad Sakhi
Cast: Waj Ali, Ghazi Al Ruffai, Afsaneh Deyrouyeh, Sara Masry, Anoushka Rava
Dramaturg and Co-Director: Sînziana Cojocărescu
Co-Director: Nico Vaccari
Producer: Claire Gilbert
Associate Producer: Sampira Al-Fihri
SAFAR R&D April 2021
Playwright: Ahmad Sakhi
Cast: Waj Ali, Elham Ehsas, Mona Khalili, Shala Nyx, Lara Sawalha
Dramaturg and Co-Director: Sînziana Cojocărescu
Co-Director: Nico Vaccari
Producer: Claire Gilbert
Associate Producer: Sampira Al-Fihri