The Dying Wish

This bold new tragicomedy by Brazilian writer Mauro Fazion combines dark comedy with raw realism to hold up a mirror to our collective contradictions. While the play’s style is not strictly realistic, its content is deeply rooted in truth. As Mauro says: “It’s so deeply realistic, it looks like nonsense.” Using absurdist dialogue, surreal scenarios, and clownesque theatricality, the play exposes the cracks in our systems of justice, bureaucracy, and institutionalised violence.

Set in a crumbling execution chamber, two hangmen, Rooney and Ingmar, wrestle with increasingly nonsensical orders as they prepare to hang Paul Freeman, a man condemned for ambiguous “crimes”, that reveal more about a broken system than the convict himself. Inspired by real events and steeped in the spirit of Brecht, Ionesco, Arrabal, and the Theatre of the Absurd, the play is both biting satire and haunting human drama.

As one reviewer put it: “This is the theatre we want to see.” Produced by Fractured Time Productions, this daring new writing invites audiences to think, feel, and question the world around them, proof that timeless, provocative theatre still has the power to change us.

Cast & Creatives

Writer: Mauro Fazion

Director: Verônica Sarno

Date & Time: Tuesday 30th September and Wednesday 1st October @8:30pm

Running Time:  75mins

Content warnings: Age 18+ Explores dark themes including injustice, execution, and grief, but overall, it is handled with absurdist humour and satirical style. Some scenes contain mild strong language, flashing lights, and loud sounds. Overall, it’s more funny and thought-provoking than frightening!

Latecomers may not be admitted. ​Ticket purchases are non refundable.

Concession prices apply to students; under 18s; pensioners; those on disability and unemployment benefits; Equity, BECTU & SDUK members.