The ‘big’ show in this year’s LIFT 2024 programme is the latest from Iranian theatremaker Nassim Soleimanpour, who has become a global cult success for works in which rehearsed actors are absent and an unrehearsed performer – often a celebrity – receives mischievous instructions that usually build into a powerful socially important narrative.
Made in collaboration with leftfield director Omar Elerian, the point of Soleimanpour’s shows is that what happens in them is a surprise to everyone present – especially the performer – so the content of ‘ECHO’ is basically unknown, though we’re promised it will ‘push the boundaries of Soleimanpour’s signature unrehearsed cold reads to the next level’ and will ask us ‘to confront what it feels like to be an immigrant in time’.
In any case, his previous shows – notably the sleeper enormo-hit ‘White Rabbit, Red Rabbit’ have been excellent, and you wouldn't bet against a few big names to turn up amongst the readers.
