As Claudia Marinaro’s Becoming Mohammed begins rehearsals, catch a sneak peek at what has been happening in these new images released…
When Sara knocks on her brother’s door after two years, she hardly recognises the man in front of her. Thomas has grown a beard, gets up at the crack of dawn, and dates a girl in a Hijab. They attempt to rekindle their childhood friendship, but Thomas hasn’t told his sister everything yet…
Becoming Mohammed is inspired by director Annemiek Van Elst’s own experiences of her brother converting to Islam, exploring what it takes for Western man to become a muslim and all those around him to accept his choice.
Talking about the show Annemiek Van Elst said: “We believe that, now more than ever, there is a need to represent narratives around Islam in a positive light, and that conversion should be seen not as a threat but as an opportunity to build connections. Through our show, we aim to offer support to converts and their families, and to contribute to creating a more tolerant society.”
Created in collaboration with Islamic communities in both London and Rotterdam, Becoming Mohammed is supported by a cultural facilitator, Nabihah Islam. Many of the shows will also begin with a short forum theatre workshop as well as post-show Q&As on Friday evenings.
The production is produced by Hannah Tookey and will feature designs by Bex Kemp, costumes by Syed Shadid Nisar and illustrations and graphic designs by Daniela Pinheiro. Meanwhile, the cast will include Philippa Carson and Nadia Lamin.
Becoming Mohammed will play at the Pleasance Theatre from the 2nd to the 21st May. For more information and to book tickets visit: https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/becoming-mohammed#overview