The president of an empty room

Stage debut at National Theatre for Oscar-nominated writer of Dirty Pretty Things - with a steamy play set in a Cuban cigar factory.

Amid the vibrant, spirited community of a cigar factory in Havana, the senior roller proclaims a democracy and work goes to hell.

There's Flamenco dancing, bursts of opera, quarrels, reconciliations, revelations and a bungled sexual encounter; but Miguel has lost his sweetheart to America, there's a storm over the city, and tobacco is the last thing on his mind. 'Ladies and gentlemen, I hereby declare that this splendid and ancient factory is now a democracy.

We are all in charge, OK? My friend Simon is elected Minister for Music and I am elected as President.' Premiering at the National Theatre in June 2005, "The President of an Empty Room" - a story of Voodoo, Heroin and Tobacco - marks the playwriting debut of Steven Knight, Oscar-nominated for his screenplay of "Dirty Pretty Things".