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‘Safe Haven’ Highlights Kurdish Uprising Amid Controversy

1/21/2026

38 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Safe Haven, directed by Mark Giesser, examines the 1991 Kurdish uprising in Iraq through diplomats and Kurdish refugees.
Critics praise Beth Burrows, the actor, and Mazlum Gül, the actor, for strong performances but fault the work for relying on a 'white savior' trope.
The production runs at the Arcola Theatre until February 7, 2026, while the narrative shifts between the United Kingdom and the mountains of Iraq.

History

Historical Context

The 1991 Kurdish uprising in Iraq emerged from decades of repression under the Ba'ath Party, culminating in the brutal Anfal campaign that killed up to 100,000 Kurds. Following the uprising, the U.S. and UN established a no-fly zone to protect 1.5 million Kurdish refugees, paving the way for the Kurdistan Region's autonomy, officially recognized in Iraq's 2005 constitution.

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Story summary

Safe Haven, directed by Mark Giesser, examines the 1991 Kurdish uprising in Iraq through diplomats and Kurdish refugees.
Critics praise Beth Burrows, the actor, and Mazlum Gül, the actor, for strong performances but fault the work for relying on a 'white savior' trope.
The production runs at the Arcola Theatre until February 7, 2026, while the narrative shifts between the United Kingdom and the mountains of Iraq.

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