Elder Latimer is here to talk about the truth.

But when the young Mormon lands in London fresh from the States, his world of absolutes starts to crumble. He falls in love with Dina, a young Muslim who’s even more convinced of her faith than he is of his, and questions of love, truth and faith take on a whole new meaning. While he is beginning to see things in the new light of a new city, Dina’s determination to do what she knows is right has no limits.

Can love conquer all? Can reason?


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"The Buddha of Suburbia meets Brideshead Revisited in a very modern retelling set in multicultural London.

An enjoyable evening’s entertainment with well-written comic scenes, fluid direction from Adam Berzsenyi Bellaagh and engaging performances led by Nila Aalia as the kind of aunt any Mormon or Muslim would love to have."

- The Stage

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"This is a compelling, funny, thought-provoking, intense and thoroughly entertaining play. Brilliantly directed by Adam Berzsenyi Bellaagh.

A young Mormon, Elder Jaden Latimer, raised in a Hicksville, cocoon of certainties, comes to London to spread the word. He is soon embroiled in his own and other more sinister crises.

On a mission, to reveal his Truth, Jaden is caught up in a maelstrom of temptation and doubt: He meets Qasif (a gay Muslim with his own designs on the Evangelist) but falls in love with his sister, Dina, who is tortured by her darker, radical Truths.

The plot, is complemented by marvellous acting, not a dud in the cast. The creative use of studio space, clever set, atmospheric sound and lighting, supports the superb acting to achieve a superb finale.

Rob Heaps is fantastic as the shiny, well-scrubbed Evangelist attempting to resist his breakaway brother. He's played with real enthusiasm by Richard David-Caine, in his talented debut.
With great, solid performances by Steve Nicolson, Nila Aalia and Zina Badran as the Mormon’s tormented love, this is a must see production."

- Paul Titley, Live at Your Local

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"The whole cast give delightful and sensitive performances in this beautifully written play. Adam Berzsenyi Bellaagh’s direction encourages them to bring out all the humour of the very natural sounding text. He uses Mortz Behren’s set of small and large white boxes to move his actors in a way that sometimes parallels the development of their relationships –they also provide a convenient way of making all the necessary hand-props readily accessible, for the whole cast stay on stage through almost all the action.

I was held and touched throughout. When things get very serious Heaps is a tremulously emotional Jaden and Aalia as Ella sustains a powerfully accusing speech ... Is it only preaching to the converted? No for this is not a play that preaches. It works because it seems so natural and honest and is so enjoyable to watch."

- Howard Loxton, British Theatre Guide

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"Sebastian Michael's new piece provides a fresh and varied take on tensions apparent in contemporary societies. ... The intimate setting and simple set work well to engage the audience and the comic moments humanise the characters, adding warmth to the play's often chilly and concerning themes. ... Adam Berzsenyi Bellaagh's production is a delight to watch with particularly strong performances from Nila Aalia, Richard David-Caine, Rob Heaps and Steve Nicolson."

- kultureflash

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Arcola Theatre and OptimistCreations present

ELDER LATIMER IS IN LOVE

by Sebastian Michael

Directed by Adam Berzsenyi Bellaagh

Design Moritz Behrens
Lighting Design Richard Lambert
Sound Design Geoff Widdowson

Cast:
Nila Aalia
Zina Badran
Richard David-Caine
Rob Heaps
Steve Nicolson

Previews: 7th, 8th and 9th September 2009 8:15pm
Press Night: 10th September 2009 8:15pm
Then Mondays to Saturdays 8:15pm until 3rd October 2009

Tickets £14 / £10 Concessions
Tuesdays pay what you can
(check with Box Office for details)

Box Office 020 7503 1646
boxoffice@arcolatheatre.com

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Made possible with the support of the Swiss Cultural Fund in Britain and Victorinox