By admin 
The theatrical landscape of London’s West End is set to be invigorated by the launch of "There & Then," an independent theatre company founded by the celebrated Iranian-German playwright Nassim Soleimanpour and visionary director Omar Elerian. This exciting new venture marks its inaugural production by bringing back the internationally acclaimed "White Rabbit Red Rabbit" to the West End’s Duchess Theatre, coinciding with the play’s 15th anniversary. In a significant association, the production is presented in partnership with renowned producer Nica Burns.
"White Rabbit Red Rabbit" is a groundbreaking theatrical experiment that continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its unique and daring format. Each performance features a different, highly respected performer stepping onto the stage without any prior rehearsal, directorial guidance, or even a glimpse of the script. The actor is handed a sealed envelope containing the play’s text just moments before the show begins, embarking on a journey of spontaneous performance. This format, inherently risky and profoundly engaging, emphasizes the raw power of storytelling, the actor’s immediate presence, and the audience’s shared experience of discovery.
The confirmed lineup for this limited West End run boasts an impressive roster of talent, underscoring the play’s enduring appeal and the caliber of artists drawn to its innovative structure. Kicking off the run on June 8th is the formidable David Harewood, followed by the beloved David Tennant on June 15th. The subsequent weeks will see the stage graced by Jo Joyner (June 22nd), Asim Chaudhry (June 29th), Luke Thompson (July 6th), Jodie Whittaker (July 13th), the legendary Kathryn Hunter (July 20th), and Kunal Nayyar (July 27th). The autumn season will welcome Archie Madekwe (September 21st) and the highly anticipated Riz Ahmed (September 28th). Further casting announcements are expected, promising even more star power for this extraordinary theatrical event. The production is scheduled to run at the Duchess Theatre from June 8th through November 2nd, offering ample opportunity for audiences to experience this singular theatrical phenomenon. The casting for this West End production has been meticulously handled by Matilda James CDG, a testament to the care and precision brought to this unique project.
Nassim Soleimanpour’s creation of "White Rabbit Red Rabbit" is a testament to resilience and artistic defiance. The play was conceived during a period when Soleimanpour was prohibited from leaving Iran, a restriction that profoundly shaped his creative process and the thematic core of the work. Despite these limitations, the play premiered in 2011 and has since achieved remarkable global reach, with over 4,000 stagings performed in more than 25 languages. Its success is a powerful illustration of how art can transcend borders and personal circumstances, forging connections through shared human experience.
The establishment of "There & Then" represents the culmination of a decade-long creative partnership between Soleimanpour and Elerian, a collaboration that has consistently pushed the boundaries of contemporary theatre. Their previous works include the critically acclaimed "Echo" at the Royal Court Theatre and "Nassim" at the Bush Theatre, both of which showcased their distinctive approach to storytelling and audience engagement. The core team of "There & Then" is further strengthened by the expertise of Executive Producer Roz Coleman and Producing Advisor Malü Ansaldo, ensuring a robust foundation for the company’s ambitious future. Beyond its own productions, "There & Then" is committed to fostering a global network of artistic collaboration, intending to work with artists and communities at various stages of their careers across international platforms. In parallel to its West End debut, the company is also mounting a second world tour of "Echo," with Immanuel Bartz serving as the producer for this extensive global undertaking.
Soleimanpour articulated his vision for the new company with profound introspection: "We are all made of the stories we dare to tell, and the silences we finally give a voice. What began as a leap into the unknown with ‘White Rabbit Red Rabbit’ has, through years of collaboration with Omar Elerian, become a shared theatrical language and the foundation of this new company, and we’re excited that our first production will be in association with Nica Burns and Nimax as we share this next chapter with audiences." This statement highlights the personal journey that birthed "White Rabbit Red Rabbit" and its evolution into a collaborative artistic ethos that now defines "There & Then."
Director Omar Elerian echoed this sentiment with palpable enthusiasm: "I am extremely excited to embark on this new creative chapter in collaboration with my partner-in-crime, Nassim Soleimanpour. Together, we look forward to introducing something fresh and unconventional to the West End, confident that London audiences will embrace the exhilarating high-wire nature of our work – anchored in presence, immediacy, and a spirit of the unknown. In these fragile and uncertain times, we hope to reaffirm that risk, imagination, and the enduring power of storytelling remain among our most vital and transformative forces." Elerian’s words emphasize the company’s commitment to innovation and its belief in the profound impact of live theatre, particularly in times of global uncertainty. The "high-wire nature" he refers to speaks directly to the inherent risk and thrill of "White Rabbit Red Rabbit," where the unscripted performance creates an unparalleled sense of shared reality between the actor and the audience.
Roz Coleman, a seasoned figure in the theatre world, expressed her inspiration from the company’s ethos: "I have always worked alongside artists who push the limits of what is expected, and There & Then is a natural next chapter. The scale of ambition alongside the lightness of touch inspires me, and the return of ‘White Rabbit Red Rabbit’ opens a door to something much bigger. With ‘Echo’ touring Europe this spring and a growing body of new work taking shape, I am proud to be part of building a company with this kind of range and restlessness. We are only just getting started." Coleman’s perspective underscores the company’s dual commitment to both groundbreaking new productions and the revival of impactful existing work, highlighting a forward-thinking approach that embraces both established successes and nascent artistic explorations.
Nica Burns, a prominent producer and a key figure in the West End, shared her excitement for the partnership: "I am delighted to welcome two exceptional artists producing together for the first time with their new company – playwright Nassim Soleimanpour and director Omar Elerian – to our first Monday evening residency at the intimate Duchess Theatre. Every performance of ‘White Rabbit Red Rabbit,’ a sold-out hit @sohoplace in 2024, is as unique as each of our outstanding company of performers, who appear only once. Definitely worth seeing twice." Burns’ endorsement, referencing the play’s prior success and unique selling proposition, further amplifies the anticipation for its return. The choice of a Monday evening residency at the intimate Duchess Theatre suggests a deliberate strategy to cultivate a distinct atmosphere for these unique performances, allowing for an intense and focused audience experience. The phrase "worth seeing twice" is a direct nod to the unpredictability of each performance; knowing that each actor brings their own interpretation and reaction to the text, a second viewing promises a completely different, yet equally compelling, experience.
The genesis of "White Rabbit Red Rabbit" is deeply rooted in the political and personal circumstances of Soleimanpour’s life. Forbidden from international travel due to his conscientious objection to mandatory military service in Iran, he channeled his frustration and creative energy into a play that would be inherently performable by anyone, anywhere, without the need for the playwright’s physical presence. This constraint became a powerful catalyst for innovation, leading to a script designed to be read aloud and performed for the first time by an actor on stage. The play’s success is not just a triumph of artistic ingenuity but also a potent symbol of the enduring human desire for connection and expression, even in the face of severe restrictions. Its global reach, with thousands of performances across diverse cultures and languages, demonstrates its universal resonance. The play tackles themes of identity, freedom, censorship, and the courage it takes to confront the unknown, all of which strike a chord with audiences globally.
The format of "White Rabbit Red Rabbit" challenges conventional notions of theatrical production. It bypasses the traditional rehearsal process, a cornerstone of theatre, forcing both the performer and the audience into a state of immediate engagement. This lack of preparation strips away artifice, revealing the actor’s genuine reactions, vulnerabilities, and triumphs. The audience becomes complicit in the unfolding narrative, experiencing the play’s revelations alongside the performer. This creates a profound sense of shared experience, fostering an intimacy that is rare in larger theatrical settings. The cast of esteemed actors, each with their own distinct stage presence and public persona, adds another layer of intrigue. Audiences will undoubtedly be curious to see how figures like David Tennant, known for his dynamic stage work, or Jodie Whittaker, celebrated for her empathetic portrayals, navigate the unscripted demands of "White Rabbit Red Rabbit." The inclusion of established theatre veterans like Kathryn Hunter alongside popular screen actors like Riz Ahmed ensures a broad appeal and a diverse range of interpretations.
The formation of "There & Then" signifies a strategic move by Soleimanpour and Elerian to create a sustainable platform for their unique artistic vision. The company’s name itself, "There & Then," evokes a sense of time and place, hinting at the ephemeral nature of live performance and the power of theatrical narratives to transport audiences to different realities. Their commitment to international collaboration and working with artists across different career stages suggests a dedication to nurturing a diverse and dynamic theatrical ecosystem. The dual focus on developing new work and touring established pieces like "Echo" indicates a balanced approach to artistic growth and outreach. "Echo," another collaboration between Soleimanpour and Elerian, explores themes of memory, communication, and the echoes of history, resonating with "White Rabbit Red Rabbit’s" engagement with personal and collective narratives.
The West End production of "White Rabbit Red Rabbit" at the Duchess Theatre is poised to be a significant cultural event. Its return to London, in this landmark anniversary year and under the auspices of a new, ambitious theatre company, signals a vibrant new chapter for both the play and for contemporary theatre. The partnership with Nica Burns, a producer with a proven track record of bringing successful and innovative productions to the West End, further solidifies the commercial and artistic viability of this venture. The intimate setting of the Duchess Theatre is particularly well-suited to the personal and immediate nature of "White Rabbit Red Rabbit," allowing for a more profound connection between the performer, the audience, and the unfolding story. As the theatrical world continues to evolve, "There & Then" and its inaugural production offer a compelling testament to the enduring power of risk, imagination, and the profound human need to share stories. The company’s ambitious plans and the caliber of talent involved suggest that "There & Then" is set to become a significant force in shaping the future of theatre, both in London and on a global scale.