PREMIERE: 8-17 FEBRUARY, 2007. THE COMPLETE WORKS FESTIVAL, ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY, STRATFORD, UK. Adapted by Sulayman Al-Bassam this contemporary Arab version of Richard III was commissioned by the R.S.C. as part of the Complete Works Festival. The play unfolds within the hothouse, feudal atmosphere of desert palaces in an oil-rich Kingdom. In this world of tribal allegiances, family in-fighting and absolute power, the questions of leadership, religion and foreign intervention that are at the heart of Shakespeare's play, take on powerful new meanings in a modern Arab-Islamic context. The production gives a window into the often misunderstood world of the Arabian Gulf in all its richness: its social customs, musical heritage and some of its darker mystical rituals. Performed with a company of actors from across the Arab World, accompanied by a live Arab musical score.

Written by: Sulayman Al-Bassam