The Society of British Theatre Designers

The audience is welcomed and invited to sit at a table with the actors. The show starts in the form of a UN conference, with various eye-witnesses giving contradictory accounts of the 1993 coup. A video installation watches: a boy silently witnessing events. The material expands to take in Burundi’s history and founding mythology. Testimonies emerge as the table becomes a kitchen table, a cafe table, a stage, a radio-presenter’s desk... Eventually the performers cannot hold themselves from sharing their own responses to what they are acting out. The sound technician starts to sing. Even the table is transformed into something expressive as panels are removed revealing soil underneath: a mine, a grave, an archaeological dig, a crime scene... and a fertile place for new growth... Finally, everyone comes together to honour the dead as the cast serve the audience food and invite people to stay and talk. Cast: Naomi Grossett, Lelo Majozi-Motlogeloa, Jennifer Muteteli, Anna-Maria Nabirye, Grace Nyandoro and Susan Worsfold