Jude Akuwudike and More Set for Hampstead Theatre's IGNORANCE; Full Cast Announced!

Hampstead Downstairs and The Peter Wolff Trust present the World Premiere of IGNORANCE /JAHILIYYAH, written by Steve Waters, directed by Nathan Curry and designed by Georgia Lowe with lighting by Mark Howland and sound by Edward Lewis, November 15 –December 15, 2012.

1949 in small town Colorado. A group of regular American students struggle to accept a foreigner in their midst; their unthinking behaviour will have terrible consequences that are to change world history. In London, sixty years later, a university professor's work analysing those consequences takes on a frightening personal dimension when Layla Ahmad walks into his office...

Steve Waters writing credits include for Hampstead Theatre, Fast Labour, English Journeys and After the Gods. His other credits include 66Books and The Contingency Plan (Bush Theatre) which was shortlisted for 2009John Whiting Award, subsequently adapted and broadcast for BBC Radio 3Drama; Out of your Knowledge, (Pleasance Theatre, Edinburgh Festival and East Anglian tour), World Music (Sheffield Crucible/ Donmar) and Habitats (Gate).

Nathan Curry was previously Associate Director of The Bush Theatre where he directed the critical and commercial success Little Platoons. His is also Artistic Director of award-winning theatre company tangled feet for whom he has directed The Hide, All That is Solid Melts into Air, The Measurement Shop, The Cells (with Theatre Venture), Wishful (with Emergency Exit Arts) Home, I Confess, Game? Emily's Kitchen, Lost Property and Catching Dust. In 2012he joined The Greenwich +Docklands International Festival as their inaugural Associate Director, commissioning and programming ambitious new work for performance outdoor.

The cast is Jude Akuwudike, Laila Alj, Andy Apollo, Scarlett Brookes and Dan Rabin.

Jude Akuwudike's recent stage work includes Moon On A Rainbow Shawl (National Theatre), Britannicus (Wilton's Music Hall) and The Faith Machine (Royal Court). TV includes Holby City and No1 Ladies Detective Agency. Film includes The Tempest and Touched by a Stranger.

Laila Alj has worked in the US and UK. Recent stage work includes Women of Troy (Lazarus Theatre Company). TV includes SKYZO?! Film includes Live East Die Young.

Andy Apollo left Briston Old Vic Theatre School in 2010and has since appeared on stage in The Last of the Haussmans (National Theatre), Other People's Gardens (Arcola) and Bouncers (Brewery Theatre).

Scarlett Brookes recently left RADA. She has since appeared in Caryl Churchill's Love and Information (Royal Court Theatre).

Dan Rabin's most recent stage roles include Blue Remembered Hills (Chichester Festival Theatre), The Bomb and The Great Game (Tricycle Theatre) and Sixty Six Books (The Bush). TV includes Spooks and Henry, Mind of a Tyrant. He has performed in many BBC Radio plays including Serious Money, The American Senator and Farewell to Arms. Films include Mind the Gap and Two's Company.

The production runs November 15 – December 15, Monday – Saturday 7.45pm Saturday Matinees 3.15pm. Prices: £12, £10 concessions and access £6. To book, go online at www.hampsteadtheatre.com or call 020 7722 9301, or visit in person at Hampstead Theatre, Eton Avenue, Swiss Cottage, London NW3 3EU.

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