A deep and moving autobiographical comedy reflecting the experiences of refugees and OCD sufferers is being showcased at Bush Theatre.
Insane Asylum Seekers is an account of growing up developing obsessive-compulsive-disorder (OCD) with Iraqi parents who resettled in the UK, and explores the pain of war and displacement in comedic ways.
The play at the Shepherd’s Bush venue, which runs until 7 June with tickets costing £15, is based on the true story of Laith Elzubaidi and is performed by Tommy Sim’aan.
Throughout his performance, Sim’ann switches between Laith’s father and mother, showcasing their experiences to the audience.
The most notable point of the play comes when Laith accompanies his mother back to Baghdad 30 years later.
The story highlights the struggles of refugees, an issue that has undoubtedly become a sensitive and controversial topic in recent months.
Last week, prime minister Keir Starmer was accused of invoking Enoch Powell in describing the UK as at risk of becoming an “Island of Strangers.”
Hammersmith and Fulham Council announced on their website that they plan to introduce a local Refugee Week, starting with a fun-day on Saturday 14 June on Brook Green.
Refugee Week claims to be the world’s largest festival which celebrates the achievements of refugees across the world.
The movement is international, with events sparked all over the globe.
Insane Asylum Seekers also aims to draw on the experiences of people with OCD, a debilitating condition which affects roughly 750,000 people in the UK.
Resources available for anyone affected by the themes in this article include ocduk.org and refugeecouncil.org.
Picture credit: Alex Powell
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