About the performance

Loyal Enemy is a mixed-media performance that springs from the life and work of Mohammed Marmaduke Pickthall, a rector's son from Suffolk and the artist’s blood relation. Pickthall, who converted to Islam in 1917, is best known for translating the Holy Qu’ran into English and being a ‘rabid Turcophile’, ending up on the wrong side of history. Loyal Enemy promises to incite, delight and deliver something radically unusual.

Key Personnel

Sarah Pickthall – Artist, Producer
Hassan Mahamdallie - Artist, Director
Associate Artists: Alinah Azadeh Rachel Gadsden, Sabrina Mahfouz, Avaes Mohammed, Abbie Norris, Omer Saleem and Mohammed Ali
Historical Consultant: Peter Clark

Production Information

Running time at full length: 50 minutes
Suitable for age 14+
Use of medium text
Use of recorded music
Requires a clear understanding of English

Touring Information

Small scale show (up to 400 seats)
Appropriate for studio, site specific where appropriate
Number of people on tour: up to 6
Number of performers on stage: up to 4 (variable)
Touring availability: Autumn 2012/Spring 2013

Outreach and Educational Work

Loyal Enemy is developing resources and a website as part of its enquiry working with a diversity of artists and archives in places and spaces and contexts of spiritual interest and relevance. Pickthall’s Qu’ran is still used in many Muslim schools and mosques and Loyal Enemy is of particular significance to young people because of the questions it raises about loyalty, faith, fanaticism and a sense of belonging in our lives today.

Company History

Sarah Pickthall is an artist and community producer whose company Cusp Inc develops creative projects that throw light on our hidden histories voices and perspectives and weaves these into our cultural landscape. Sarah has formally worked as a dancer, performer and puppeteer in children’s television. Cusp Inc since its inception in 2009 has developed a strong reputation for working with a diversity of artists and themes.

Recent Productions / Tours

Recent productions include Blue Touch Paper Carnival's The Horn - a carnival costume performance run by people with learning disabilities launched as part of this year's Nat West Island Games in June on the Isle of Wight and The Pantry a new project that talks about eating with a diversity of young people at risk, making and creating performance and installation work to change their thinking and inspire their peers.

Reviews

'From the moment I first met her, Sarah struck me as a woman who is tenacious and passionate with uncompromising principles.' Vikki Balaam, Artistic Director, StopGAP 2011'

'Sarah has worked with us to develop an outstanding community project that is admired across the south east region' Lorna Brown, Head of Arts and Culture, West Sussex County Council 2011