Witness the true story of a journalist who has become privy to the illegal activities of his government. Based on the book by Can Dündar, this adaptation is a gripping tale about the battle for truth in a web of lies.
Why You Should Watch #WeAreArrested
Why You Should Watch #WeAreArrested
Directed by Sophie Ivatts, this is the first-ever co-production between the Royal Shakespeare Company and Arcola. The theme of the play revolves around the price of publishing the truth in an era of fake news.
It is an adaptation of the book which is a deeply personal tale of Can Dündar, who was arrested for publishing footage of his government supplying Syria with weapons. The play does justice to the original source and is an excellent dramatisation of the events that took place. The true story is set in Turkey. However, the play is devoid of all references to the location. It has been directed in such a way that the incident transcends location and can happen anywhere in the world. The play delivers its message in a very direct and lucid manner, accentuating the gravity of the writer’s predicament.
The Story
One morning, a journalist, who is the editor of the most recognised newspaper in his country, receives a flash-drive that contains incriminating evidence of illegal activity by the government. It reveals that the president of the nation is covertly smuggling weapons into one of the neighbouring countries. The parliament, as well as the masses, are completely oblivious to the fact that the nation is being dragged into an international war. Compelled by his conscience and duty, the journalist publishes the film footage.
The outrage that follows throws his life into disarray. Within no time he is arrested for espionage by the government and jailed in solitary confinement, with no scheduled date for his release. He is forced to leave his wife and son and has to bank on his imagination to survive his imprisonment. The man constantly opposes his captors with his cunning and divisive ways, evading the prison’s restrictions and finding a way to smuggle articles out of prison.
Eventually, he gains his freedom, yet struggles to have a fair hearing because the governments clutch on the media and the legal system was far too strong. The play is a heartrending tale that is a tribute to the courage and determination of threatened journalists across the world.
Good for
Fans of Spy Thrillers | Lovers of True Stories
Critics Reviews
“The play is both a relatively faithful dramatisation of the book and an audacious attempt to interrogate where else its story could take place: all references to Turkey are absent.”
– The Guardian
Polizza di cancellazione
Polizza di cancellazione
Questi biglietti non possono essere cancellati o riprogrammati.
Know Before You Go
Know Before You Go
Show Details
Performances are held from 13th November 2019 to 7th December 2019.
A relaxed performance will be held at 2.30 PM on 30 November.
Show Timings
Mon - Fri | 7:30 PM |
Sat | 2:30 PM |
Written By
Can Dundar
Directed By
Sophie Ivatts
Adapted By
Sophie Ivatts & Pippa Hill
Additional Info
Important Information
- Photo and video recording are not allowed during the show.
- Latecomers may not be admitted if no suitable break is available during the performance.
Audience
To be confirmed.
Duration
To be confirmed.
Available Facilities
In-house bar
Wheelchair accessible
Seating
The Arcola Theatre has a seating capacity of 197.
Dress Code
Smart and casual wear is recommended. Keep in mind, the theater is air conditioned throughout the year and can get a bit chilly.
I Miei Biglietti
I Miei Biglietti
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