‘I’ve known about White Rabbit Red Rabbit for several years now and I’ve done my best to avoid learning anything about it hoping to one day perform it myself as the central conceit of the play is that the actor does not see the script until they step onto the stage when they perform it. However, when I was brought on board to produce the show for NTofP, I didn’t think I’d get the chance again so I immediately jumped on board.
My first, and the most important, responsibility I had was casting. I needed someone who was a skilled actor but also a genuinely open human being who could maintain their vulnerability in front of a large group of people. Past productions of White Rabbit also seemed to benefit from a performer who had experience doing comedy. I’ve known Shayan for several years now and have directed him before so I knew his ability and personality but since the Masa Amini protests he has been able to use his abilities to help his community by leading rallies and speaking to passionate crowds while still remaining authentic and genuine. Shayan is not just a brilliant performer but also a generous person and with a scenario like White Rabbit where he cannot prepare himself at all as an actor, his true humanity and person will shine through.
For me, what Nassim has created is so special and unique but not just for its own sake. Rather, it pulls apart the nature of performance and our own agency as spectator-actors, and in so doing allows us to explore what theatre does best: affirm the vulnerability that lies in all of us at the heart of the human experience. I can’t wait to see the play in action and see how people respond.’
