Word-Play

'History always ripples on. Even if we don’t realise it'

In the Downing Street Press Office an emergency meeting has been called

The Prime Minister has been ad-libbing on live TV (again) and his words are going viral

There is a flurry of accusations, and demands for an apology

But as his team debate what to do next, it's already too late

His words have found their way to dinner parties, bus journeys and newspaper columns across the nation – and not everyone is angry

Rabiah Hussain's play Word-Play explores how language seeps into public consciousness and reverberates with far-reaching consequences that will last for generations

It premiered at the Royal Court Theatre Upstairs, London, in July 2023

REVIEWS

'A fascinating new play exploring the insidious potential of bland language... skewers a particularly British kind of bigotry... there's so much about this play that'll stick in your throat: a reminder that words can wound, however bland they might sound' ~ Time Out

'Playful, thoughtful, and deliciously up-to-the-minute... Often hilarious, sometimes moving, this play about how words matter has a cumulative power' ~ Evening Standard

'Amusing and boldly, excitingly experimental... Hussain's script shines in sudden moments of lyrical outrage' ~ Guardian