A play telling the story of the race to prevent a genocide in the aftermath of the first Gulf War is making its premiere in Hackney.
Safe Haven, written by former diplomat Chris Bowers, will debut at the Arcola Theatre in Dalston from January 14 to February 7, 2026.
The play is set in 1991 and focuses on Operation Safe Haven, a humanitarian intervention that protected Kurdish lives and averted widespread atrocity in the wake of the conflict.
BBC chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet praised the play, saying: "A remarkable retelling of a story not so long ago when compassion and collective action aligned to change the course of history, of people’s lives.
"A telling reminder that individuals can make a difference."
Directed by Mark Giesser, the play offers an "urgent, human-centred perspective" on policy-making, moral responsibility, and UK involvement in humanitarian operations.
Mr Giesser said: "A compelling story about our recent history and real people alive today.
"It speaks to the universality of all peoples fighting for their lives and homeland, along with all the individuals who, instead of standing by comfortably, take the risk to help them."
The cast includes Eugenie Bouda as Najat, Beth Burrows as Catherine, Stephen Cavanagh as Brett/Reporter, Mazlum Gul as Dlawer/Al-Tikriti, Richard Lynson as Clive, and Lisa Zahra as Anne/Zeyra.
The play blends fictional storytelling with real-life accounts to highlight a lesser-known but significant moment in recent history.
Chris Bowers served as the UK’s Consul General in Iraqi Kurdistan and draws on his first-hand experience of the events.
The Arcola Theatre described the production as "offering an urgent, human-centred perspective on policy-making, moral responsibility, and UK involvement in humanitarian operations."
Safe Haven will be staged in Studio 2, with performances at 7pm from Monday to Saturday and Saturday matinees at 3.30pm.
Tickets are priced between £12 and £39.
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