Buddha of Suburbia, The (Modern Plays)

My name is Karim Amir, and I am an Englishman born and bred. Almost. South London in the late seventies. High unemployment, high inflation, food shortages and strikes. But despite the winter of discontent, 17-year-old Karim’s life is about to explode into glorious technicolour as he navigates a path to enlightenment. Or at the very least, Beckenham. Emma Rice adapts the award-winning 1990 novel, which was later turned into an acclaimed TV series, with Hanif Kureishi. On stage it becomes an irresistible, heart-breaking and joyful exploration of family, friends, sex, theatre and, ultimately, belonging. This edition was published to coincide with the world premiere at the RSC in April 2024.

Emma Rice is Artistic Director of acclaimed theatre company Kneehigh.

Hanif Kureishi was born in 1954 and brought up in Bromley, Kent. His award-winning work includes plays, novels, and films. His plays are Outskirts, Sleep With Me, and his own version of Mother Courage. His films include My Beautiful Laundrette, Sammy and Rose Get Laid, and London Kills Me. His novels include Buddha of Suburbia and The Black Album. He is a co-editor of The Faber Book of Pop.