The Scotsman

The Arabian Nights

- Joyce Mcmillan

When Arabia appears on screen in the west, it’s most often in a context of war or conflict; so there’s never been a time when it was more vital to celebrate the Arab world as one of humanity’s richest sources of magical stories. For this year’s Lyceum Christmas show, the Syrian playwright Suhayla El-bushra has created a brand new stage version of The Arabian Nights, packed with some of the greatest stories ever told; and award-winning director Joe Douglas brings together a brilliant young cast, led by Rehanna Macdonald as Schehereza­de, the woman who must tell great stories for her very life. Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, 25 November until 7 January, 0131-248 4848.

 ??  ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom