Paradise –  An Ancient Hero. A Modern Hell.

Written by Kae Tempest

Directed by Iqbal Khan

Designed by Olivia Jackson and Rosa Nasr-Butler

Performance dates: Sat 14th March – Sat 21st March

Kae Tempest’s “Paradise” is an epic and uncompromising modern reimagining of Sophocles’ ancient Greek tragedy, Philoctetes. The play relocates the classical tale of war, honour, and betrayal to a desolate, contemporary setting—an island ravaged by conflict and potentially climate change, which functions as a modern-day refugee camp or dumping ground. The central story revolves around Philoctetes, a once-celebrated soldier and master archer, who was left stranded on the island ten years earlier by his commander, Odysseus, after suffering a foul-smelling wound. Now, as the war rages on, Odysseus returns with the young soldier Neoptolemus to manipulate and trick Philoctetes into returning to the fight with his legendary, life-winning bow, forcing a moral confrontation about pride, truth, and revenge.

The play is built on key themes that bridge the ancient and modern worlds: the cost of endless war, the nature of heroism and masculinity (especially poignant as the original production featured an all-female cast performing the traditionally male roles), moral compromise, and the search for authentic community.

Tempest infuses the script with their characteristic poetic, streetwise language, delivering sharp commentary on global issues such as social injustice, closed borders, and consumerism.

Given the themes of war, betrayal, and intense moral debate, the play is recommended for ages 14+.

Though its complex language and mature subject matter make it better suited for older teenagers and adult audiences. The Chorus, a group of long-suffering women living on the island, provides both lyrical songs and stark commentary on the main plot, grounding the myth in a contemporary human reality.