★★★★
Nomad is profoundly immersive. It begins with Gözde Atalay, the solo performer and creator of the show, dressed as an immigration officer interrogating the queue entering the theatre. This is the introduction to an energetic, skilful performance that illuminates as much as it disorientates.
Using, mime, physical theatre and a varied array of circus skills, Nomad seeks to physicalise and communicate the frustrations, obstacles and alienations encountered by the central character, Ayşe, a Turkish woman who has immigrated to Europe.
Her movements are evocative, sometimes representative, sometimes interpretive. As more and more brown paper is brought in, representing bureaucracy, representing obfuscation, and becoming both set and costume, the story shifts across time and place. We feel the time Ayşe spends waiting, grappling with bureaucratic entities the turning points in her life.
At times involving audience participation, the performance is intense, deeply moving, while feeling both conversational and intimate. Gözde Atalay compels, amuses and devastates on both a universal and personal level.
Review by Merlin Stevens
