The Collector (NHB Modern Plays)

By Henry Naylor

2003. Mazrat Prison, Iraq. Previously one of Saddam's most notorious torture houses, where more than 10,000 people died, it is now under Allied command.

Nassir works here, translating for the American interrogators. He's local, pro-Western, determined to bring liberal values to his country and is about to get married to Zoya, his sweetheart. But when he is recognised by Faisal, new prisoner and psychotic supporter of the old regime, his life becomes a living hell.

Born out of Henry Naylor's own experiences of a visit to Bagram Airbase in 2003, The Collector is a compelling tale of murder, evil and betrayal set in occupied Iraq, part of the Arabian Nightmares trilogy. One of the most highly-acclaimed shows at the 2014 Edinburgh Festival, it won a Scotsman Fringe First Award, which was followed by a sold-out run at the Arcola Theatre.

'tells the tragedy of a part of recent history we would rather leave behind but have to hear – an Arabian nightmare that is gripping to the last moment' - A Younger Theatre

‘Outstanding new writing… first class’ - Scotsman

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nick Hern Books
• Release date: Jul 20, 2017
• ISBN: 9781780019093

Henry Naylor

Henry Naylor is a writer, performer, producer and director. He has written for many award-winning comedy shows including Smith & Jones, The Lenny Henry Show, Dead Ringers and Alistair McGowan's Big Impression. He was a lead writer on Spitting Image, and, together with his double-act partner Andy Parsons, he starred in nine series of Parsons & Naylor's Pull-Out Sections on BBC Radio 2. He also created, executive produced and directed the multi-award-winning Headcases for ITV1. He has written plays including The Collector (Edinburgh Festival and Arcola Theatre, 2014), Echoes (Edinburgh Festival and Arcola Theatre, 2015) and Angel (Edinburgh Festival, 2016).