Play “Safe Haven” Brings Kurdish History and 1991 Safe Haven to London Stage
News : 1/29/2026
London, United Kingdom, www.uk.gov.krd. The stage play Safe Haven was performed at the Arcola Theatre
in London in the presence of Karwan Jamal Tahir, High Representative of the
Kurdistan Regional Government to the UK, the John Slinger Chairman of the British
Parliament’s APPG on Kurdistan region, and officials from the FCDO.
Written by Chris Bowers, former UK General Consul
to the Kurdistan Region, the play revisits the events of 1991 and the suffering
of the Kurdish people following mass exodus of citizens fleeing Saddam’s mass
killing. It highlights the role of pragmatic diplomacy, moral responsibility,
and diaspora advocacy in shaping international responses, particularly the
establishment of the Safe Haven initiative launched by then British Prime
Minister Sir John Major.
In a commentary,
Bowers said the history and suffering of the Kurdish people had a profound
impact on him, inspiring him to write Safe haven. He noted that the idea for
the play took shape after attending an online event in which Sir John Major and
Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani attended, marking the 30th
anniversary of the Safe Haven decision, which led him to begin work on the
script.
Following the
performance, a panel discussion was held featuring Jamal Tahir, Chairman of the
British Parliament’s APPG on Kurdistan region John Selinger, and Captain Tom
Hardy, the first British officer to arrive in Kurdistan in 1991 as part of the Safe
Haven operation. The discussion was moderated by Gary Kent.
Panelists reflected
on Britain’s role in protecting the people of Kurdistan, describing the Safe
Haven as a turning point that later became a symbol of freedom, democracy, and
coexistence in the region and beyond. Mr Tahir expressed appreciation to Sir
John Major, the British people, and the UK government, saying their actions not
only protected the Kurdistan Region but also enabled the Kurdish people to
establish their own parliament and government and govern themselves without
existential threats.
Thanking playwright
Chris Bowers, KRG High representative added that the script and performance
“brought a breath of fresh air to a historical event and placed the witnesses
themselves on the stage.”
John Selinger
reaffirmed the UK’s continued support for the Kurdistan Region and the
strengthening of strategic relations between the two sides, noting that
cooperation across various fields continues to deepen. Captain Tom Hardy shared
personal memories from his first visit to Kurdistan in 1991, recalling the dire
conditions faced by displaced Kurds in the snow-covered mountains and
describing the early efforts that contributed to stability, self-governance,
and coexistence among the region’s communities.
Safe Haven will run at the Arcola Theatre until 7
February, with two performances daily. The KRG UK Representation is calling on
members of the Kurdistan diaspora in the United Kingdom to attend the
production, describing it as an opportunity to reflect on how advocacy,
lobbying, and collective political engagement played a decisive role in
protecting the Kurdistan Region and its people.
Arcola Theatre
London
28th January 2026