Written by Camyar Chai

Lyrics and Music written by Camyar Chai, James Fagan Tait and Marguerite Witvoet

Directed by Glynis Leyshon

A modern allegory of modern geopolitics set in the first three years of the reign of Nasser E’din Shah in 19th century Persia. In a wild world of interchanging dreams and reality, courtiers, fools, politicians, colonists and a mysterious harem jockey for the ear of the young King. Set in a time when oil first became relevant in the Middle East, Asylum is a colourful, musical tale of exotic history and political intrigue.

Featuring Allessandro Juliani, Kerry Davidson, James Fagan Tait, David Adams, David Marr, Karin Konoval, Tom Pickett, Layla Alizada, Courtenay Dobbie, Mara Coward, Katherine Harris, Zorana Sadiq with musicians Hamin Honari, Mehdi Abdolahi, Amir Koushkani and Marguerite Witvoet.

Premiered at the Roundhouse Community Centre (Vancouver) May 7 - 17, 2003. Produced with the generous support of the Vancouver Playhouse and the Roundhouse Community Centre.

"...Two hours of joyous escape from the Bush regime's relentless campaign against Islam... a must-see (and must-hear, and must-experience) event."
- Peter Birnie, The Vancouver Sun

"This production contains so much sensuality per square inch that, by the end, my body just wanted to dance."
- Colin Thomas, The Georgia Straight

"...very Brechtian in its use of song, dance and a curious mingling of humour with serious political and moral issues... the juxtaposition of the sublime and ridiculous appear to be Chai's trademark."
- Jo Ledingham, Vancouver Courier