comes back to London for 7 performances only!
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13 countries 1 family
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The Satire of the Calais Jungle
The Comedy about the Tragedy
BORDERLINE
DOCUMENTARY
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TRAILER
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PSYCHEdelight facilitated art based workshops in Calais Jungle throughout
2015 -2016. Sophie, a theatre director and art-therapist witnessed among the refugees an eagerness for comedy as a way to contrast and express their tragedy. This experience gave her the impulse to create "Borderline". The show is the result of 6 weeks devising period with an ensemble of European and refugee performers altogether from 9 different nationalities : Uk, France, Syria, Afghanistan, Iran, Italy, Palestine, Chile and Sudan.
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ABOUT BORDERLINE
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Because comedy is just the other side of tragedy. A different way to approach the Western's response to the situation in Calais: We bounced on its insanity and absurdity! Our aim was also to improve public perception of refugees by conveying a positive image far from the dark one often portrayed in the press. We wanted to show their resilience, their numerous talents and their incredible sense of humor that helped them many times along their painful journey.
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Borderline is co-produced by Counterpoints Art and received the precious support from Arts Council UK, The French Institute, The Cockpit, The Young Vic taking part, Theatre Delicatessen and Old Vic Workrooms.
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"Borderline has established PSYCHEdelight as one of the leading creators of theatre with refugees, exploring new ways to embed genuine participation that
can lead to professional performance and artistic development." Counterpoints Art
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Why a comedy?
"I had enough sadness. I love making people laugh. It makes me feel better..."
- Enayat, 17 y, from Afghanistan
BORDERLINE'S INTERNATIONAL TOUR
GERMANY (Berlin): Nov 2017
INDIA (Kerala) : Jan 2018
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DENMARK (Aalborg): Feb 2018
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OXFORD Human Rights Festival: March 2018​
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SWITZERLAND (Lausanne): June 2018
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SHANGHAI: Nov 2020 (online - Covid)
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SINGAPORE: Jan 2022 (online - Covid)
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HUFFINGTON POST “High Comedy
amidst the​ poignancy. Powerful.
Important.”
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THE GUARDIAN: The funny side of
Calais Jungle
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REFUGEE WEEK “The refugee art's
project​​ everyone's talking about”
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WEST END EXTRA Refugees beat visa
issues​​ and lack of funds to stage ‘funny’
play about​ the crisis
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SOUTHBANK CENTRE “From
Sudan​ to the stage”
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THE BIG ISSUE “Did you hear the one
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LONDON REVIEWS HUB "Fascinating
PRESS
MEDIA
THE GUARDIAN 10 min Documentary
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ALJAZEERA: Interview with Borderline
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AL ARABY TV 10 min Documentary
(2hrs 13 mins in)
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LONDON LIVE Interview
“Syrian refugee in a comedy about Calais”
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LATEST TV Interview with director Sophie Besse
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Abd Alrehman Slama
Baraa Halabieh
Charly Martelli
Delia Remy
Gareth Watkins
Enayat Khan
Lujza Richter
Mohamed Sàrràr
Mohanad Hasb Alrsol Badr
Naqeeb Saide
Peter Pearson
Reuben Williams
Roberto Landi
Tracy Radzan
Wasig Zaid
Yasin Moradi
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PERFORMERS
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Director: Sophie Besse Bertrand
Set Designer: Petra Hjortsberg
Sound design: Iurii Galkin
Clown facilitator: Frank Würzinger
Photography: Jose Farinha and Severine Sajous (top group pic)
Poster: Pauline Labadie
Producer: Rebecca Laughton
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CREATIVE TEAM
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Tamara Astor (accordeon)
Basel Zaara (drums)
Habib Sadat (drums)
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MUSICIANS