English Touring Theatre and Papatango bring their UK tour of Iman Qureshi’s The Funeral Director to Home Manchester later this month. The winner of Papatango’s 10th annual New Writing Prize, The Funeral Director is an exploration of a gay Muslim woman coming to terms with her identity.
The original production was premiered by Papatango at Southwark Playhouse last autumn and is now on a UK tour.
What is The Funeral Director at Home Manchester about?
Life as the director of a Muslim funeral parlour isn’t always easy, but Ayesha has things pretty sorted. She and Zeyd share everything: a marriage, a business, a future. But when Tom walks in to organise his boyfriend’s funeral, a snap moral decision, informed by the values of Ayesha’s community and faith, has profound consequences. Forced to confront a secret she has hidden even from herself, Ayesha must decide who she is – no matter the cost.
Hannah Hauer-King directs the cast of Edward Stone (Tom), Assad Zaman (Zeyd) and Fancesca Zoutewelle (Janey) who are joined by returning cast member Aryana Ramkhalawon (Ayesha) in a story of sexuality, gender and religion in 21st century Britain.
The Funeral Director marked Iman Qureshi’s full-length debut. She has had short plays or limited runs commissioned or produced by Tamasha, Kalí Theatre, Purple Moon Drama and the BBC.
When does The Funeral Director run at Home Manchester?
The Funeral Director runs at Home Manchester from 27 March 2019 until 30 March 2019. Tickets £12.50 (concessions £5, £10.50). The will be a cast Q&A following the performance on 27 March.
