Adapted from an acclaimed novel, Ece Temelkuran’s Women Who Blow on Knots comes to the Arcola Theatre, London later this month. See the press release below for further information and stay tuned for Afropean.com’s take on the adaptation, coming very soon.

An international cast and creative team is announced for the world premiere of Arcola Theatre’s Women Who Blow on Knots – adapted from the award-winning novel by Turkish author and political thinker Ece Temelkuran (best known for her 2019 non-fiction book How To Lose a Country: The 7 Steps from Democracy to Fascism, relaunching in the UK in October). 

Arcola’s co-founder Leyla Nazli (Mare Rider, Silver Birch House) has adapted Temelkuran’s epic and powerful tale of freedom, resilience and unbreakable female friendships. 

Set against the backdrop of the Arab Spring, Women Who Blow on Knots follows the journey of four remarkable women on a road trip from Tunisia to Syria, and through Lebanon, as they travel headfirst through an adventurous journey that changes the course of their lives. As they travel the Middle East in a classic Cadillac, these women confront their pasts and form indestructible bonds, undeterred by the sociopolitical turmoil around them. This powerful adaptation celebrates the indomitable spirit of women who dare to unravel the knots of their destinies and weave new futures.

Women Who Blow on Knots received the English PEN Award and the Edinburgh International Book Festival First Book Award. It has been published in 22 languages and sold over 300,000 copies in Turkey. 

Ece Temelkuran, author: “Women Who Blow on Knots is a novel I wrote to survive during the most challenging times of my life. I am delighted that it will come to life again, now on stage, to heal and inspire. Twelve years ago, I wrote this story in a small garden in Tunis when all was lost for me. The characters I created and the world I built for them were for me to keep going against all odds. I never would have dreamt that the story would inspire readers in 22 languages and finally become a beautiful play in London. Life very rarely offers you magic to have faith in the world and humans, and I guess this is one of those rare moments.”

Mehmet Ergen, Artistic Director, Arcola Theatre: “Arcola is proud to bring this epic and important story to the stage for the first time. With an adventure that spans five countries across North Africa, this will be an ambitious and impressive production, and we are pleased to have such an excellent cast and creative team, working closely with Ece Temelkuran to bring it to life.”

LISTINGS DETAILS

Venue: Arcola Theatre, 24 Ashwin Street, London, E8 3DL

Dates + times: 24 October – 23 November 2024. Mon – Sat at 7.30pm + Saturday matinees at 3.30pm

Turkish surtitles available at every performance

Ticket prices: previews: £12 – £30 / standard £15 – £37. Pay What You Can Tuesdays – limited allocation available in person from 6pm.

Box office: 020 7503 1646 / boxoffice@arcolatheatre.com
Instagram/X: @arcolatheatre