The Great Game: Afghanistan, cast announced

The Public Theater has announced complete casting for The Great Game: Afghanistan, the Tricycle Theatre Company production that will be presented in three parts in association with and at NYU Skirball Center from 1 - 19 Dec 2010 with an official press opening on 7 Dec 2010.

Directed by Nicolas Kent and Indhu Rubasingham, The Great Game: Afghanistan is an ambitious political and theatrical event that was recently nominated for an Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement.

Through the eyes of 12 leading British and American playwrights and the voices of those actively involved in the war and on U.S. & NATO policy in Afghanistan, The Great Game: Afghanistan explores, in three separate parts, the culture and history of Afghanistan since Western involvement in 1842 to the present day. The three parts can be seen in any order; marathon performances will be held on weekends.

"The Great Game: Afghanistan is a rare and precious achievement, a theatrical event that actually leaves you knowing far more about the real world. We are in the ninth year of our war in Afghanistan and yet so much of that country's history remains a mystery to us," said Public Theater Artistic Director Oskar Eustis. "In thrilling, dramatic form The Great Game brings that history to life. Nick Kent and his extraordinary company have my deepest admiration for their vision and integrity. I wish every American could see The Great Game; we would be a better and wiser country if we did."

The Great Game: Afghanistan features 12 plays by Richard Bean, Lee Blessing, David Edgar, David Greig, Amit Gupta, Ron Hutchinson, Stephen Jeffreys, Abi Morgan, Ben Ockrent, Simon Stephens, Colin Teevan, and Joy Wilkinson.

The cast for The Great Game: Afghanistan features Daniel Betts, Sheena Bhattessa, Michael Cochrane, Karl Davies, Vincent Ebrahim, Nabil Elouahabi, Shereen Martineau, Tom McKay, Daniel Rabin, Danny Rahim, Raad Rawi, Jemma Redgrave, Cloudia Swann and Rick Warden.

The Great Game: Afghanistan - Part 1: Invasions & Independence - 1842 to 1930 starts with the first Anglo-Afghan War of 1842 and moves to Afghan independence in the 1920's.

The Great Game: Afghanistan - Part 2: Communism, The Mujahideen & The Taliban - 1979-1996, continues the story from the Russian invasion, through to US/CIA arming of the Mujahideen to the coming of the Taliban.

The Great Game: Afghanistan - Part 3: Enduring Freedom - 1996-2010 starts with the events leading up to 9 Sep 2001 in Northern Afghanistan, through to the overthrow of Taliban, the aid agencies working in the country and the current war against the insurgents.