English Touring Theatre and Papatango today announce the UK tour of Iman Qureshi’s The Funeral Director, an exploration of a gay Muslim woman coming to terms with her identity. Winner of Papatango’s 10th annual New Writing Prize from 1,384 entries, the production directed by Hannah Hauer-King will embark on a UK tour to Traverse Theatre, Nottingham Playhouse, The North Wall and HOME Manchester in Spring 2019.
This follows Papatango’s world première run at Southwark Playhouse opening on 2 November, with previews from 31 October, running until 24 November.
“I just thought it would be a secret I’d have to die with. And now – I think it’ll be what kills me.”
Life as the director of a Muslim funeral parlour isn’t always easy, but Ayesha has things pretty sorted. She and Zeyd share everything: a marriage, a business, a future.
Until Tom walks in to organise his boyfriend’s funeral. A snap moral decision, informed by the values of Ayesha’s community and faith, has profound consequences. Forced to confront a secret she has hidden even from herself, Ayesha must decide who she is – no matter the cost.
The Funeral Director is an incisive and heartfelt story of sexuality, gender and religion in 21st-century Britain.
Richard Twyman, Artistic Director of English Touring Theatre, said today, “Iman Qureshi is an exciting and distinctive new voice in theatre today and I am delighted that her beautiful play will be shared with audiences across the UK. This production will tour to studio theatres and continues our commitment to championing extraordinary new writing and examining contemporary English identity.”
