Suspicious minds

MOHAMED Haneef – the Indian-born, Queensland-based doctor arrested under new anti-terrorism laws last year – now has a stage show based on his interrogation.
Although Dr Haneef this week asked to be kept out of the media, Dandenong’s Drum Theatre will next month host the world premiere of Haneef: The Interrogation.
The two-man play will attempt to draw the audience through the range of conflicting emotions experienced by those involved, in particular, Dr Haneef.
“You will feel very strongly that Dr Haneef was denied his civil liberties, yet feel equally strongly that innocence or guilt are ambiguous,” the play’s promotional material reads.
“Our sympathies shift back and forth, from the baffled but helpful suspect, to his dogged but courteous interrogator.” The play draws no conclusions as to guilt or innocence and is faithful to the Haneef interview transcripts.
“In the end we feel, as will the audience that Haneef may know far more than he reveals; just as it is equally possible that anyone – even you – would find it impossible to prove your complete ignorance of other people’s criminal knowledge or intent,” the promoters say.
Writer Graham Pitts is best known for his play Emma – Celebrazione and his plays and films made with East Timorese people over the past 20 years.
Haneef: The Interrogation is on at the Drum Theatre on 22 and 23 February. Phone 9771 6666.