World Drama

Leaving by Vaclav Havel

Translated by Paul Wilson, adapted by Jeremy Front

Broadcast Saturday 14 November 2009 at 2001 GMT

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Vaclav Havel is the dissident playwright who became President of the Czech Republic after the collapse of communism in 1989.

Leaving is his first return to writing since his time as Czech leader, and tells of a former Chancellor Vilem Rieger of an unnamed state coming to terms with his recent loss of power.

But does leaving necessarily mean that he, his mistress and his extended family have to leave the state villa, which has been their home for years?

Starring David Haig (Four Weddings and a Funeral) Hugh Bonneville (Notting Hill) and Simon Russell Beale (Sam Mendes’ The Winter’s Tale).

Also starring Joanna Scanlan, Stephen Hogan, Carl Prekopp, Ann Beach, David Hargreaves, Liza Sadovy, Philip Fox, Annabelle Dowler and Jill Cardo.

Directed by Marion Nancarrow.