Review: Paradise of the Assasins

Written a century ago by the famous polymath and communist, Abdul Halim Sharar, and adapted for stage by director Anthony Clark, the Paradise of Assassins is the first show to grace the stage of the newly refurbished Tara Theatre. 4 STARS

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Asif Khan, Skye Hallam

Tara Arts Theatre has just undergone a major top-to-toe two year refurb to create Britain’s first multi-cultural theatre. And what an amazing transformation it is. The building now boasts a brand new mood enhancing foyer, a patio garden, and a plush 100 seat theatre complete with earth floor. Entering this shiny new cultural hub is a little like entering paradise. Appropriate really as the first production in this highly appealing, atmospheric environment is Anthony Clark’s adaptation of Abdul Halim Sharar’s novel, “Paradise of the the Assassins”. 

Originally written in 1899 and set in 13th Century Persia, ‘in the shadow of the Alburz mountains - in present day Iran’, the story centres on the two young lovers, Hussain and Zamurrud who head towards Mecca to do Hajj - or so Hussain believes. Zamurrud’s real reason for undertaking this journey is to find her brother’s grave. Having lost Zamurrud on the journey and waking from a drug-induced sleep, Hussain finds a letter from Zamurrud explaining she is in paradise.

He must now follow a series of instructions to find her again, announce Batiniyah as the one true faith and carry out whatever violent acts are asked of him. The first one of these acts is to kill his uncle, the great Imam Najamuddin Naishapuri, revered and loved by Hussain but who is averse to the Batiniyah faith. There are obvious parallels here with current day issues and this story serves as a reminder of how the past can illuminate the present.

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Tristram Kenton

Ralph Birtwell, Asif Khan, Mitesh Soni

Asif Khan as Hussain approaches this role with a droll humour in the first half and with an intense earnestness in the latter as he grapples with his conscience in an attempt to be reunited with his beloved. He is supported by an ensemble cast of seven actors playing multiple roles with conviction and aplomb. Of particular note is Ralph Birtwell who is captivatingly eccentric in his various roles, most especially as the sinister Mustafa who entices Hussain to imbibe the drug-fuelled wine and Rina Fatania, who adds a lighter touch with her tongue in cheek demeanour. 

Director, Anthony Clark, is also assisted in the telling of this story with the effective but simple design of Matilde Marangoni, who uses copper like discs hanging from ropes to evoke the setting sun. Some beautiful subtle lighting casts pretty shadows over the rugged bare brick walls, courtesy of lighting designer, Amy Mae and the action is punctuated with some ambience enhancing singing.

This is an enlightening tale, vividly told and well worth going to see.

Paradise of the Assassins will be showing at the Tara Theatre until October 8. To book tickets visit tara-arts.com

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