People

Radio debut for Human Rights play

Human Rights is the title of a new play written by Jonathan Lichtenstein, Director of the Centre for Theatre Studies, which makes its radio debut next month.

The 45 minute play was inspired by a real life human rights case which saw a man imprisoned in a secret gaol for ten years. He was held in total darkness through out his captivity despite never being formally charged or tried for any crime. He was only freed when Human Rights campaigners became aware of his plight.

Jonathan explained that it was the prisoner's courage which inspired him to write the play. He said, 'It was his ability to survive in the such extreme conditions, and to emerge from the experience bearing no hatred or resentment, but with a new realisation of how beautiful life is which is central to the play.'

Highly acclaimed by Radio 4 the play raises interesting questions in a time when the rights of refugees are under the spotlight.

The play is being directed by the playwright Jeremy Mortimer and is only Jonathan's second radio play. Last year his first play, 'The Station', was very successful and opened the new £10.6 million Soho Theatre in London's West End.

Human Rights will be broadcast on Radio 4 at 2.15pm on December 4.

Also in the printed November edition of Wyvern:

• Wanted: Mentors

• New Heads of Department