Russian folklore tells of a mythical place full of wonder and promise called The Thrice Ninth Kingdom. In 2013 Russia passed a new law banning 'propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations amongst minors', essentially banning the promotion of LGBT rights. In a poll, 88% of Russians agreed with the ban. Russia is not alone: in over 78 countries lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people risk imprisonment, attack or even death. In these countries, more than half of them in the Commonwealth, laws exist that can be used to prosecute people because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Against this backdrop of deteriorating LGBT rights in many parts of the world, In the Thrice Ninth Kingdom follows parallel stories in Russia and London that are linked by one shocking incident. In Russia a man is locked up and abused because of his sexuality and for speaking out about injustice. In London the consequences of this abuse lead to a desperate claim for asylum. A group of disparate individuals fight for what they believe to be right - however what some see as justified measures others see as savage acts. Challenging and uncompromising, In the Thrice Ninth Kingdom is unafraid to ask questions about how we as individuals and as a society deal with persecuted minorities. Using documented cases the play provocatively explores the complexities of dealing with individual rights.| 10 Feb 14 to 15 Feb 14 | The Seven Dials Playhouse Inner London, Greater London Performance Details => Venue archive |
