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The President of an Empty Room
A story of Voodoo, Heroin and Tobaccoa new play by Steven Knight
And Cuba will become America and those little girls at the back will eventually become Madonna and Michael Jackson and the tough boys in the store room will become Hell’s Angels with real bikes. Simon, do you like my republic?Amid the vibrant, spirited community of a Cuban cigar factory, the senior roller proclaims a democracy and work goes to hell. There’s Flamenco dancing, bursts of opera, quarrels, reconciliations, revelations and a bungled sexual encounter; but Miguel has lost his sweetheart to America, there’s a storm in Havana, and tobacco is the last thing on his mind.
Ladies and gentlemen, I hereby declare that this splendid and ancient factory is now a democracy. We are all in charge, OK? My friend Simon is elected Minister for Music and I am elected as President. I can also promise you that before the next election there will be snow in the streets for everyone to enjoy. Thank you for your support.Steven Knight, screenwriter of Dirty Pretty Things, makes his National Theatre debut.
'Steven Knight has crafted an atmospheric tale of a Cuban cigar factory, where voodoo and heroin take their toll, the lure of America looms and love relations falter. The cold shower of reality gives way to fantasy, and doubts emerge about what appears before your eyes. A soulful and well-acted comedy.’ Evening Standard, Nicholas de Jongh
Cast credits:
: Jim Carter
: Paul Hilton
: Fraser James
: Inika Leigh Wright
: Petra Letang
: Stephen Moore
: Lucian Msamati
: Anthony O’Donnell
: Tracey Saunders
Production credits:
Director: Howard Davies
Designer: Bunny Christie
Lighting Designer: Mark Henderson
Choreographer: Scarlett Mackmin
Music: Paddy Cunneen
Sound Designer: Paul Arditti
photo Claudia Daut/Reuters
The President of an Empty Room finished on: 27 August 2005
