“This show has been really difficult to make. I don’t want to make a big deal or anything… But he’s been really difficult.”
Following the success of Eurohouse, Bert & Nasi return with Palmyra, an exploration of revenge, the politics of destruction and what we consider to be barbarian. Palmyra invites people to step back from the news, looking at what lies beneath – and beyond – civilisation.
An essential piece of political drama mixing fact and fiction, Palmyra is being developed with support from Croquis_BCN (Barcelona), Bristol Ferment, MAYK, Nuffield Southampton Theatres, Ovalhouse and HOME.
“Beautifully conceived physical theatre with a powerful message.” – Quiet Man Dave
Palmyra was one of Syria’s historical sites until it was overtaken by ISIS and the temples were destroyed, [an] act of barbarism [that] has inspired a piece of performance art by Nasi Voutsas and Bertrand Lesca which may be about the thin veneer of civilisation, or the seductive appeal of violence and its futility or the cruel pleasure of manipulating and controlling others. Or maybe none of these themes apply – as always with performance art it is not easy to be sure.” – Manchester Theatre Awards
“Their work together is exciting and provocative creating much needed dialogue about the world we live in.” – Live Art Alive
“A searing depiction of bullying and its mutually catastrophic consequences… A brilliant and compelling piece of theatre: engaging and funny, it is presented with disarming ease and understatement and yet it is disturbing and deeply chilling to the very last moment.” – Unrestricted Views
★★★★ “The duo who created Eurohouse shift from comic to tragic in a brilliant piece that reflects on Syria and the breakdown of relationships… A rewarding show to watch.” – The Guardian
★★★★ “Weird, wonderful and strangely stressful.” – The Stage
★★★★ “It’s rare to see emerging artists with such a strong signature style… It’s a stressful watch, though, but sublime as well.” – What’s On Stage
★★★★ “The show’s focus on broader issues emerging from Syria is its great strength. Challenging the audience constantly on our role in the conflict from spectators to global influencers, the piece covers a great amount in under an hour… Unsettling.” – The Reviews Hub
★★★★ “Explosive… Gleefully provocative and painfully tender in equal measure… A thoughtful piece which neatly toes the line between subtlety and symbolism.” – Broadway Baby
Total Theatre Award winner, Edinburgh Festival 2017, for ‘Innovation, Experimentation & Playing with Form’.
Want to know more about Nasi Voutsas and Bertrand Lesca?
Nasi (Antler) and Bertrand (FellSwoop) joined forces for Palmyra. Antler and FellSwoop were respectively nominated for The Stage Best Ensemble Award 2013 (Where the White Stops) and the Peter Brook Ensemble Award 2015 (Ablutions).
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