From February 17th to March 20th, the
Orange Tree Theatre in Richmond is presenting the world premiere of a play about the way in which Zionists influenced British politicians during the First World War. The play shows how personal and public behaviour intertwine, as a leading Cabinet critic of the Declaration, Edwin Montagu pursues his passion for the beautiful socialite, Venetia Stanley who is also loved by the Prime Minister, Herbert Asquith. At the same time, Montagu is almost the only voice in the British Cabinet arguing against the letter signed by Balfour which promised Palestine to the Jews. Politics, religion and love collide with world-changing effect in this new play of political and sexual intrigue, and the origins of the Zionist takeover of Palestine.
Karl Sabbagh, author of Palestine: A Personal History, writes:
“The young author of this play, Ben Brown, author of several successful plays for stage and television, has immersed himself in the details of this shameful episode in British history and written a play which works both as a human drama and as a revealing account of the betrayal of Palestinians by the British. Even people who don’t usually go to the theatre will find this an engrossing and eye-opening evening.”
Tickets from the
Orange Tree Theatre, 1, Clarence Street, Richmond Surrey TW9 2SA. Box office, 020 8940 3633
