New Play Announces Cast Ahead Of Previews

The new writing comes from Working Theatre

Casting has been announced for a brand new play that will preview in Bristol this September. The new writing – from Working Theatre – will be taking place at Arnolfini.

The cast has been announced as Priya Blackburn as Salma, Amar Chaggar as Riz, Meneka Das as Mother,
Jack Edwards as Council Official/PC Quinton, Michael Kodi Farrow as Mason, Kerena Jagpal as Reynah
Arif Javid as Father and Rico Morris as Nas.

1947 is written and directed by Zahid Fayyaz – one of the founders of Working Theatre. Fayyaz originally grew up in inner city Bristol eventually discovering a love of acting. It was a passion which took him around the world, moving to New York to study at The Lee Strasberg Institute.

Returning to the UK, he has been creating space for BAME performers by writing and setting up events to support artists who face barriers to the industry. Currently, he’s writing for both theatre and film focusing on stories from British Asians.

1947 itself follows a British Pakistani family in Bristol. A preview of the new show will be performed at the Arnolfini this month ahead of a planned larger staging.

What starts off as an ordinary family gathering sees the tension ramp scene by scene into something ‘closer to a haunting’. But, it’s not ghosts haunting the family. It’s one of inheritance, obligation and the things families teach each other to survive – until those things become what will break them.

It explores themes of family conflict, financial hardship and bereavement.

1947 will be at Arnolfini from 10 -12 September 2026

For more information or to book, visit: https://www.ticketsource.com/1947play

For more information about Working Theatre: https://www.instagram.com/theworkingtheatre/

Cast and Creatives
Priya Blackburn as Salma
Amar Chaggar as Riz
Meneka Das as Mother
Jack Edwards as Council Official/PC Quinton
Michael Kodi Farrow as Mason
Kerena Jagpal as Reynah
Arif Javid as Father
Rico Morris as Nas

Directed by Zahid Fayyaz
Assistant Director- Chris Abreu Lyons
Produced by Zahid Fayyaz
Co- Producer- Michael Kodi Farrow

For What’s On In Bristol:https://backstagebristol.com/
Bristol Culture: www.tiktok.com/@chopsybristoltt
Bristol Theatre Updates: https://www.facebook.com/backstagebristol
Bristol News and Culture: https://www.youtube.com/user/chopsybaby