Safe Haven: A Missed Opportunity in Historical Drama
'Safe Haven' Review: A Tale of Diplomats and Kurds Left on the Sidelines
The 1991 Kurdish uprising in Iraq is a significant chapter in history, but the historical drama 'Safe Haven' seems to have overlooked the depth and complexity of this event. The play, set in the backdrop of Whitehall and the Iraqi mountains, focuses on the diplomats and their efforts to create a safe haven for the Kurds. However, it falls short of delivering a compelling and authentic portrayal of the crisis.
The play is filled with diplomats, including the Whitehall contingent, Iraqi diplomat Al-Tikriti, and Chris Bowers, the writer and a former British diplomat in Iraqi Kurdistan. While Bowers infuses the debates and wrangles with authenticity, it doesn't translate into engaging drama. The heroes of the play are Clive (Richard Lynson) and Catherine (Beth Burrows), who provide political details, but their sensible discussions lack the spark needed for a captivating performance.
The pace, complexity, and depth of the play are just not there. Under the direction of Mark Giesser, brief scenes switch between Whitehall, press conferences, Clive's garden, and the Iraqi mountains, but they all feel too functional, delivering information over human drama. The characters are paper-thin, and some performances are stilted. Clive, in particular, is as dull as one of Major's grey suits, speaking in predictable cricketing metaphors, while Catherine is generic.
The Kurdish experience is only briefly touched upon, with a pregnant woman, Najat (Eugenie Bouda), and her companion hiding in the mountains while the coalition forces debate protecting them from massacre. Najat's brother, a doctor and activist, appeals to Catherine, but the focus is more on the fear and resilience of the Kurdish population rather than the debates, manoeuvring, and resourcefulness on the mountain tops.
This is an overlooked part of Iraq's history, eclipsed by the invasion of Kuwait and the US's invasion of Iraq. It deserves more drama, emotion, and political complexity on the ground. 'Safe Haven' is a missed opportunity to delve deeper into the complexities of the Kurdish crisis and the diplomatic efforts to address it.
At Arcola Theatre, London (https://www.arcolatheatre.com/event/safe-haven/), until 7 February
