The Almeida Theatre has announced the full cast for the world premiere of Under the Shadow, which opens this summer following previews from Tuesday 2 June.
Joining the previously announced Leila Farzad are Nadia Albina, Bijan Daneshmand, Souad Faress, Mona Goodwin, Nicholas Karimi and Rachid Sabitri.
The children’s roles will be played by Jago Agrawal, Esma Akar, Rohan Berry, Atlanta Chaniac Golding, Adi Gimziunas and Erin Jemmotte.
Under the Shadow is adapted by Carmen Nasr from Babak Anvari’s BAFTA-winning horror film and is directed by Nadia Latif.
The production runs at the Almeida Theatre from Tuesday 2 June until Saturday 4 July, with press night on Tuesday 9 June.
Set during the 1980s Iran-Iraq War, the story follows Shideh, left alone with her young daughter as Tehran is bombed and an ancient, malevolent force begins to take hold.
“They travel on the wind, just like that missile, and they only land once they find someone to possess.”
The play explores the fragile boundary between the rational and the irrational, and the life-changing decision of whether to leave or stay.
The creative team includes set designer Ben Stones, costume designer Khadija Raza, lighting designer James Farncombe, sound designer Donato Wharton, casting director Anna Cooper CDG and children’s casting director Amy Beadle CDG.
Additional creatives include magic consultant Scott Penrose, fight director Kev McCurdy and assistant director Layla Madanat.
The original film was met with widespread acclaim, described by The Observer as “A ghostly Iranian gem” and by The Hollywood Reporter as “A gripping thriller about a mother and daughter under supernatural siege”.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
