“The play presents part of the story of the resistance and insistence of political activists, in general, and Kurdish political activists in particular, who are fighting for the preservation of their language, culture and identity,” adds Hama, who is also the artistic director for Sky Theatre Group.

Bringing Kurdish voices to the stage

A Smoke Behind the Rope was staged in different Vancouver venues last year, including at the Vancouver Fringe Festival. Hama’s goal was to share the ordeals of the Kurdish people and others in the Middle East with the public, allowing them to witness these events.

“The play attempts to portray the characters – Farhad and Gulnaz – in the most challenging night of their lives,” he shares. “These are examples of thousands of Kurdish people who have been arrested, killed, executed and tortured for demanding their fundamental rights, and it is still going on.”

The play is part of the University of British Columbia’s Research-based Theatre Lab, a collective of scholars, artists and community members working to promote theatre as a form of research. Hama himself conducted research into Kurdish political prisoners while writing the play.

“I consulted biographies and letters before the executions, phone calls with their families and stories from fellow inmates and families of executed Kurdish political prisoners,” he shares.

Originally from South Kurdistan, the playwright had to consult a regular counsellor during this research to “maintain [his] balance.” The same opportunity was offered to his actors, as a counsellor was present in case the performing or production team needed it.

“Another challenge was how to present such a sensitive topic on stage without burdening the audience, and how to embody the characters’ psychological state without placing the audience under pressure due to this particular situation,” Hama shares.

The team eventually relied on different theatrical techniques, with actors undergoing rigorous preparation over the course of four months. Hama hopes this show will serve as a window for the audience to see an often-forgotten side of the world: Kurdistan.

“Our goal is to attract as many viewers as possible to see this show,” he says, speaking of plans for future performances. “Technically, the show relies heavily on acting and physical movement, and any changes made [in future productions] will be aimed at creating a greater impact on the audience.”

Calling for solidarity

The playwright further explains that the title A Smoke Behind the Rope is tied to a key scene near the play’s conclusion, in which Farhad – one of the two main characters – narrates the public execution of a friend, carried out before the eyes of his family and community years earlier.

“The story of this political prisoner’s courage and resistance, along with many other examples, gives them the courage to face the problematic situation that he and Gulnaz are facing,” he says. “Two young people face torture and death in the longest, darkest night of their lives.”

The playwright also points out that political activists continue to face death sentences and executions around the world. He believes that the public must monitor these situations and demand their governments take a strong stance to stop the execution of political prisoners.

“We need solidarity to pressure these regimes to stop their crimes and atrocities,” he says. “People should be free to choose their political affiliations, dress and language wherever they are in the world.”

For Hama, it is important for the public to witness these events – even through art. He highlights how the public has likely encountered refugees who have fled from these conditions.

“By listening to these stories, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of their backgrounds and situations, making it easier to deal with them,” he shares.

For more information, see www.skytheatregroup.com