On the eve of his release from Feltham Young Offenders Institution, Zahid Mubarek, a young British Muslim man, was attacked by his racist cellmate, Robert Stewart. One week later, he died of his injuries. Based on evidence given to the Zahid Mubarek Inquiry and interviews taken, this play examines the incompetence of the official response to Zahid Mubarek’s death.
Gladiator Games had its world premiere at Sheffield Crucible Theatre from 20-29 October 2005; then performed at Theatre Royal Stratford East from 2-12 November 2005. It was restaged from 2-26 February 2006.
“ A work of real political importance; painful to witness, but entirely essential.” The Times
“Part of a growing tradition of verbatim theatre doing the job of investigative journalism better than journalists themselves.” The Guardian
“A denunciation of institutional racism in the criminal justice system and a tribute to the Mubarek family and their long struggle for justice” Aleks Sierz