661 – MAMDOUH HABIB
What if an innocent man was falsely accused of a crime he did not commit and then sent to Guatanamo Bay to be tortured? How would his family and he deal with what must be, the most traumatic and disgusting scenario to be forced on to anyone? 661 – Mamdouh Habib is based on the true story of Guatanamo Bay inmate, Mamdouh Habib. I spoke with writer/director Julian Brophy who is a passionate believer of the Rule of Law in Australia. “If people are accused of terrible crimes they are brought to court and given a trial. This is a process we’ve had in Australia for over 200 years and for Mamdouh that process was completely abandoned. Conviction has to be based on evidence.” Mamdouh and his family will perform cameo roles in 661. “Their story is so personal. I felt it was important for them to be connected to this play quite closely. Mamdouh’s story enforces the need for community, government and a judicial system. There should be openness about what’s happening. We can’t forget what went on. This is a powerful, disturbing and poignant story. It’s a part of our history and it has to be told.”
May 10 -14, Parade Playhouse NIDA, 215 Anzac Parade, Kensington, $8.30-$20.90, 9697 7600, ticketek.com.au
