Uma Nada-Rajah’s new play Exodus about politicians and posturing, satirically exposes systematic deception and indifference to human suffering and will premiere at The Traverse.
Directed by the National Theatre of Scotland’s Associate Director Debbie Hannan, Exodus is a dark, surreal comedy, ready to shamelessly ridicule the systems of power.
The production willpremiere as part of the Traverse Festival at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2022 before touring Scotland in the autumn.
Exodus sees the National Theatre of Scotland make a welcome return to the Fringe following a celebrated presence over the last sixteen years (Black Watch, Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour, Adam).
In her bid to become the country’s leader, Home Secretary Asiya Rao prepares to make a major policy announcement that will establish her as the front-runner of the political race. Alongside her cut-throat and calculating advisor Phoebe, she embarks on a publicity stunt starting with a photo shoot by the white cliffs of Dover. But rather than the tide washing her reputation clean, something else washes up… An omen or an opportunity? The women are determined to keep their eyes on the prize, no matter the cost, even if it’s a human one.
Asiya Rao, the Home Secretary is played by Aryana Ramkhalawon. Aryana is known for her stage and TV work including GHBoy (Charing Cross Theatre), When the Crows Visit (Kiln Theatre) and The Funeral Director (English Touring Theatre) and Call the Midwife. She was last seen on Scotland’s stages in the musical Glasgow Girls.
Phoebe Bernays, the Home Secretary’s Special Advisor is played by Sophie Steer. Alongside TV and film roles, Sophie’s recent stage appearances include Civilisation (Edinburgh Fringe, Home and New Diorama), Where Do We Go Next (Bunker Theatre) and Gobble Gobble Goblin (Old Vic).
Anna Russell-Martin plays the role of young journalist Tobi Tucker. Anna has previously worked with National Theatre of Scotland on the film Ghost Light and on stage with Jenni Fagan’s Panopticon. The final cast member is Habiba Saleh, playing the part of Haben Haile, a performer, trained in opera. Habiba makes her professional debut in Exodus and returns to the Scottish stage following her role in Uma Nada-Rajah’s Magical Plastic Chicken with Golden Trailer Collective at The Hidden Door Festival.
Touring to Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling (Preview Thu 28 Jul 2022); Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh (Previews Sun 31 Jul & Sat 6 Aug) Sun 7 to Sun 28 August 2022, except Mondays; Eastgate Theatre, Peebles Wed 31 August 2022; An Lanntair, Stornoway Sat 3 Sep 2022; CentreStage, Kilmarnock Fri 9 Sep 2022; Lemon Tree, Aberdeen Sun 11 Sep 2022; Tron Theatre, Glasgow Wed 14 to Sat 17 Sep 2022; Mull Theatre Tue 20 & Wed 21 Sep 2022
There will be BSL interpreted, audio described, captioned and relaxed performances at the Traverse during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Full tour information and booking details can be found here
