'In God We Trust' IS a lyrically dark and topical play, which focuses on the relationship which develops between two captives at Guantanamo Bay. Despite the topical nature of this play it has less to tell about the cages and chains of Guantanamo Bay, but more about the captives. It explores the relationship between two young British Muslim men who find sanctuary in each other in order to survive amidst the most violent and degrading environment. Philosophy and poetry are used to explore the pain and loss of love through captivity while questioning faith.

The relationship that evolves between the two captives, Hamza and Sarfraz, is the main feature of the play. What starts out as mutual resentment and mistrust soon flourishes into a relationship cemented by faith. The play explores different aspects of Islam. The play is not a political tirade, but more about the strength of faith between the two captives.

The story begins with human misery and despair as Sarfraz demonstrates perceptions of madness, until he is guided by his friend, comrade and companion, Hamaza whose own quiet strength is born of his own love, his God.

AVAES MOHAMMED – Writer, In God We Trust

A Manchester based artist of almost three years with skills as a musician, vocalist, poet, script-writer, actor and workshop-facilitator. His entry into the arts came about as a poet, having performed around Manchester on the live circuit, as well as on local television and radio including an appearance on BBC Radio Three’s ‘The Verb’.

His first script, ‘Bhopal’, was presented at the Contact Theatre, Manchester following his ‘writer in residence’ post over a six month period in 2003. Apart from the roles of a poet and playwright Avaes is also an M.C/Rapper, having performed extensively with his band ‘Nashini’.

Avaes has recently completed a commission with BBC Radio 4 to be involved in the writing team producing a radio drama play based around the tragedy of the ‘Bhopal Gas Disaster’ of 1984.

SAZZADUR RAHMAN – Director

Rahman joined Peshkar Productions when it was first established in 1991. Since then, he has participated in all of the company’s training activities and productions, he obtained a B-Tec National Diploma in Performing Arts from Oldham College’s School of Performing Arts before going on to study at Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts. He has worked as an Actor, Drama Worker and Director with such distinguished companies as Chol Theatre, Twisting Yarn and Bradford Theatres. His career has taken him to Bangladesh, India and Denmark - where he used theatre as a social development tool in slums, remote villages and urban settings. His work abroad inspired him to establish his own theatre group in Oldham- Ayna youth theatre, which first came into being in June 1999.

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