Pitlochry Festival Theatre and Stellar Quines Theatre Company are partnering to stage the premiere of Sister Radio in August.
Writer Sara Shaarawi describes the play as “a warm and loving portrait of sisterhood and migration, filled with children’s games, feminist poetry, coffee readings and 70’s Iranian pop tunes”.
The play follows sisters Fatemeh and Shirin, who have been living together for 43 years but do not talk to each other. After they are locked into their flat due to the coronavirus pandemic, they are forced to confront the betrayal that changed their relationship.
Shaarawi said: “I was interested in telling a story about the complex and intimate relationship sisters have, and about the ripple effect of the choices we make and how we choose to live with them.”
“I’m incredibly excited to have this piece programmed at Pitlochry Festival Theatre and to be working with Stellar Quines Theatre Company,” she continued. “I have a lot of admiration and respect for both companies, and I cannot wait to see them bring this play to life. It will be the first time I see my work fully realised in a theatre, so this makes it extra special for me.”
Lanna Joffrey will play Fatemeh, and Nalân Burgess will play Shirin.
The play will be directed by Caitlin Skinner, artistic director of Stellar Quines, and designed by Becky Minto. Lighting is by Kate Bonney, movement director is by Saffy Setohy, and the music is composed by Farzane Zamen.
Skinner said: “We are thrilled to be sharing the World Premiere of Sara Shaarawi’s new play Sister Radio with audiences in Pitlochry this summer.”
“This play is already very beloved by Stellar Quines and our co-commissioners, Pearlfisher, but to be working with Pitlochry Festival Theatre to nurture and produce Sister Radio for the first time feels right.”
The show will open at Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s Studio from 25 August to 28 September before embarking on a tour. It will be the first performance at the theatre’s new studio.
Tickets can be purchased on Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s website.
Words by Ellen Leslie
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