American banker Nick Bright knows that his freedom comes at a price. Confined to a cell within the depths of rural Pakistan, every second counts. Who will decide his fate? His captors, or the whims of the market? Indhu Rubasingham directs Ayad Akhtar’s political play – but what have critics made of it?
The Guardian: *** Michael Billington said: “Akhtar’s play certainly shows that economics, the supposedly dismal science, is capable of generating dramatic tension.”
Financial Times: **** Ian Shuttleworth thought that: “a fiendishly clever examination of religious, political and economic beliefs, how they intertwine and conflict, what unites and divides us.”
The Telegraph:**** Claire Allfree wrote: “Indhu Rubasingham’s high-voltage, fast-moving production, which hums with the buzz of drones flying overhead, captures brilliantly the guerrilla feel of the new warfare.”
West End Wilma: **** Rhiannon Evans found: “The Tricycle never shies away from challenging works and this is no exception.”
London Theatre 1: **** (half) Patsy Trench described it as: “Thought-provoking, entertaining, intelligent, funny and always absorbing.”
WhatsOnStage: ***** Matt Trueman commented: “If The Invisible Hand is a knotty old think piece, it’s one that never loses sight of its drama, not for a second.”
British Theatre Guide: Philip Fisher said: “Thanks to tight direction from Indhu Rubasingham, some excellent performances and a taste for the mildly melodramatic, The Invisible Hand builds to an unlikely but satisfying denouement.”
West End Frame: **** Andrew Tomlins found that: “khtar’s piece is gripping – it’s not always an easy watch, but The Invisible Hand is a perfect example of the top notch, bold work the Tricyle Theatre is renowned for staging.”
Live Theatre UK: ** “Ayad Akhtar’s The Invisible Hand is that saddest of political dramas: one without any heroes, insight or real interest.”
Evening Standard:*** Henry Hitchings commented: “Akhtar has a keen sense of irony and juggles some provocative ideas about the links between the global economy and terrorism.”
Time Out: *** “‘The Invisible Hand’ is a loveless play, and word-heavy.”
The Invisible Hand plays at the Tricycle Theatre until the 2nd July. For more information and to book tickets visit: http://www.tricycle.co.uk/current-programme-pages/theatre/theatre-programme-main/the-invisible-hand/.