Absent

Written by Betool Khedairi and Penny Black 

Directed by Svetlana Dimcovic 

Designed by Evan Stead 

Cast  Hiba Medina

Bombs and bees. Love and betrayal. 1990s Baghdad.

1990s Baghdad, Dalal is studying French at university and looking forward to her future. But then bombs start falling and sanctions turn neighbours into informants. All around is the wreckage of war. To survive, her uncle starts an apiary, soothsayer Umm Mazin flourishes, Saad opens a hair salon and introduces her to handsome Adel… but when people start disappearing, Dalal no longer knows who to trust.

Absent, adapted as a solo performance from the novel by Betool Khedairi, is a haunting portrait of life under restrictions written with biting Iraqi humour.   

‘Impressionistic and accomplished’ -  New York Times 

‘Daringly fresh look’ -  Penguin Random House 

‘Brilliant, funny, and disturbing… an unforgettable struggle for dignity in a world under siege.’ -  Radio Free Europe 

On Svetlana Dimcovic’s previous work: 

 ’Masterful framing of a nation’s tragedy’ - ★★★★ The Guardian 

Beverly Andrews on Absent at VOILA Festival 2025: 

‘ an exquisitely crafted work that leads audiences beyond political headlines and into the intimate daily realities of ordinary Iraqis…

Iraqi war drama brought powerfully to the stage’

With thanks to the National Theatre and Shepherds Bush Library.

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