Hassan

'It is precisely in a broken age that we need mystery and a reawakened sense of wonder; need them in order to be whole again' (Ben Okri)

These words appear in the programme of Wildcard Theatre Company's latest production 'Hassan - An Arabian Adventure' - and we certainly had our sense of wonder reawakened by it during its run at the Wycombe Swan Town Hall Theatre last week.
Based on James Elroy Flecker's sublime dramatic poem, it is a work adaptor and director Andrew Potter has loved since childhood, and is billed as suitable for adults and brave children.
It is an Arabian Nights fantasy set in Baghdad, a city of dreams, where a lonely, lovesick confectioner discovers the perils and pleasures of following his heart down the Golden Road to Samarkand; and two lovers are condemned to a cruel choice by the Caliph, the tyrannical ruler. The set, designed by Josh Howard-Saunders, is stunning. Baghdad is created by silhouetted onion domes cut out of beautifully painted red

and gold screens and boxes which are constantly rearranged to create a flight of stairs, a rooftop, a street, a love chamber, a palace, a prison, a torture chamber - for this is a story of cruelty and despair as well as beauty and romance.
The confectioner Hassan - played by Andrew Rasheed, perfectly capturing his desires and disappointments - is cheated of his heart's desire by his best friend; and the lovers Pervaneh and Rafi - played by Tara Hendry, who also composed the sensual mesmerising music, and Andrew Potter who took over the part at the last minute - have to decide between being parted forever, or having one day of love and then dying in terrible torment. Their love scene is unbearably moving. They are also hilarious as Keystone Cops style military, while Anthony Baines as the Caliph completes an excellent cast.
Moroccan style lamps and colourful oriental drapes enhance the richness of the set and behind these the actors perform part of the story as a shadow play. Thus we see camels processions, hilarious love-making abd lots more. But the most moving is the death of Pervaneh and Rafi - he is executed and his blood is poured over Pervaneh as she is tortured. A

real coup de theatre - just as good as anything at the RSC or National Theatre. The final word of praise must go to Andrew Potter. Not only does he dazzle with his acting - how on earth did he take over such an enormous part and give a flawless word perfect performance? - he is also a writer of great style, has a vast knowledge of plays, stories and literature, and is a visionary director overflowing with ideas. All this and good-looking too - why is this guy not famous? Go and see it at Norden Farm on October 30th, and take any brave children with you. My 12-year-old daughter was spellbound...in spite of the drivel on TV they stillo appreciate quality. You'll be filled with wonder and made whole again.