RED VELVET, ARABIAN NIGHTS & More Set for Indhu Rubasingham's First Tricycle Programme

Indhu Rubasingham has announced her inaugural season at The Tricycle, which will launch with the World Premiere of Red Velvet, written by Lolita Chakrabarti with Adrian Lester in the role of Ira Aldridge; followed by The Tricycle's first festive family show, The Arabian Nights, written by Mary Zimmerman and adapted from The Book Of The Thousand Nights and One Night. In 2013, The Tricycle present an Eclipse Theatre production of One Monkey Don't Stop No Show, by Don Evans, followed by another World Premiere: Paper Dolls, written by Philip Himberg and adapted from the award-winning documentary by Tomer Heymann, produced by Stanley Buchthal.

Rubasingham will direct both Red Velvet and Paper Dolls. The Arabian Nights will be directed by Lu Kemp, and One Monkey Don't Stop No Show by Dawn Walton.

Rubasingham has also appointed Nic Wass as Artistic Associate (Literary), who joins The Tricycle after five years as Senior Reader at The Royal Court Theatre having also been Literary Manager at Out of Joint.

Indhu Rubasingham, Artistic Director: "I am so delighted to be announcing my opening season. In programming The Tricycle, I am seeking to view the world through different lenses, where unheard
voices are brought into the mainstream. I believe it's these global, contemporary stories, and the connections they make to each of us that keep theatre immediate and pertinent. Situated in Brent, the most diverse borough in London, The Tricycle is a local venue with an international vision.

My opening show, Red Velvet, brings together the accomplished writing of Lolita Chakrabarti, the Olivier award-winning actor Adrian Lester, and the inspiring true story of Ira Aldridge.

The Arabian Nights promises to be a magical event for young and old alike. The tales trace back to ancient times, but this version by the Tony Award winning Mary Zimmerman will have contemporary resonances.

Paper Dolls is a unique story that presents in a snapshot different cultures, religions, sexual identities, the young and the old, whilst throwing in some music and dance! Paper Dolls is adapted from the multi-award winning documentary, of the same name.

Finally, it is a pleasure to be presenting Eclipse Theatre's production of a classic American comedy and hosting a company who broaden the diversity of work available in the regions. I hope this
will be the beginning of a fruitful relationship, and indeed one of many that The Tricycle will have with companies in the UK, and internationally".

THE TRICYCLE SEASON – 11 OCTOBER – 13 APRIL

WORLD PREMIERE

RED VELVET (11 OCTOBER – 24 NOVEMBER)

Red Velvet is written by Lolita Chakrabarti and directed by Indhu Rubasingham with Olivier Award winning actor Adrian Lester in the role of Ira Aldridge. Red Velvet runs at The Tricycle from 11 October until 24 November, with opneing night on 16 October. Design is by Tom Piper, lighting by Oliver Fenwick, sound by Paul Arditti, with assistant direction from Titas Halder.

Theatre Royal, Covent Garden, 1833. Edmund Kean, the greatest actor of his generation, has collapsed on stage whilst playing Othello. A young black American actor has been asked to take over the role. But, as the public riot in the streets, how will the cast, critics and audience react to the revolution taking place in the theatre? A new play based on the true story of Ira Aldridge.

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