The Assembly Theatre, in association with One Four One Collective, and Nassim Soleimanpour Productions, presents White Rabbit Red Rabbit. The limited run opens on February 5 and runs until February 20, 2026.
It’s a theatrical experiment that was pioneered by Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour, and has been performed internationally to widespread acclaim.
Each performance features a different actor. They receive the script in a sealed enveloped as they step onto the stage — with zero opportunity to rehearse beforehand.
There’s no director, no set, and no safety net.
The actors have been told not to do any sort of research about the play prior to their performance. Just show up, read what’s in the envelope, and create magic on stage.
It’s a spontaneous and unpredictable experience both for the actors and the audience.
Each night of the performance will feature a different performer, for a unique live event. No two audiences will ever experience the same production.
Nassim Soleimanpour and White Rabbit Red Rabbit
Born in Tehran, Soleimanpour studied set design at the University of Tehran, but always wrote, including poems, stories, and plays. He refused compulsory military service, and as such was denied a passport until 2013.
He wrote White Rabbit Red Rabbit in 2010, and it premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Toronto’s Summerworks in 2011. Despite his inability to attend, he wanted the play to tour the world without him.
It’s been performed hundreds of times worldwide. A host of A-list actors have taken on the challenge, including F. Murray Abraham, Wayne Brady, Bobby Cannavale, Darren Criss, Brian Dennehy, Joyce DiDonato, Whoopi Goldberg, Nathan Lane, and Cynthia Nixon, among others. It was performed in London’s West End in 2024.
Today he is Artistic Director of the Berlin-based Theatre company Nassim Soleimanpour Productions.
Soleimanpour emphasizes that the play, while it deals with concept of freedom and obedience, is not overtly political in nature.
The 2011 premiere at Toronto’s Summerworks in a Volcano Theatre production in 2011:
White Rabbit Red Rabbit in Toronto
Performances take place at Assembly Theatre between February 5 and 20.
A total of 15 actors will take part, including: Luis Fernandes, Naomi Snieckus, Tony Nappo, Anand Rajaram, Anne van Leeuwen, Alia Rasul, Diana Bentley, Ken Hall, Claire Armstrong, Jamie Cavanagh, Ennis Esmer, and Theresa Tova.
- Find show details and tickets [HERE].
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