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Ad Infinitum Presents

Last Rites



  • 18+
  • Corn Exchange Auditorium
  • Full Price £17.25  / 
  • Concessions £15.25  / 
  • Schools £11 (including booking fees)
A man is shadowed by a red light against a dark backdrop with 2 versions of himself in different positions, lit by a green hue

Told through a Deaf man’s unique perspective, this show tells the passionate and poignant story of a complex relationship cut short. 

Last Rites combines exciting movement and physical storytelling with dynamic projection and an immersive soundtrack that can be felt and heard. Travelling from the UK to India, Arjun needs to carry out his father’s funeral rites. But how can he perform an ancient Hindu practice that was never passed on? In life, his father wouldn’t learn sign language, but in death, Arjun needs to find a way to say goodbye. He creates his own intimate, final ceremony that brings to life a rich tapestry of shared memories. Internationally acclaimed theatre makers Ramesh Meyyappan and George Mann collaborate for the first time in multi-award-winning theatre company Ad Infinitum’s (Translunar Paradise ★★★★★ The Observer, Light ★★★★★ The Times), moving new performance celebrating the transformative power of grief and parenthood.

Last Rites is a non-verbal piece of theatre with no spoken words, accessible to deaf, Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing audiences. The performance includes some BSL with creative captions and a soundtrack with heavy use of bass so that it can be felt or heard by audience members.

Please note: This show contains strobe lighting, haze, loud music and heavy use of bass. Last Rites contains themes of grief and death, parental abuse and trauma.

For more information take a look at our Access page

Last Rites BSL Booking Information:

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★★★★ Tremendous

The Guardian

★★★★ Mighty theatrical lyricism

The Scotsman

★★★★★ 'Last Rites is a triumph…as real, raw and beautiful as it gets'

The Reviews Hub
A man in a white short sleeve shirt and white trousers stands on stage in front of a blue backdrop staring at his hand in the air by his side
A man in a white short sleeve shirt and white trousers stands on stage in front of a pale blue and white backdrop staring up with his hand in the air by his side
A man in a white short sleeve shirt and white trousers kneels on the floor on stage in front of a black backdrop with a face behind him, staring into a silver bowl

Watch the trailer:

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Last Rites is made possible through funding from Arts Council England and Bristol City Council and co-commissioned by London International Mime Festival, Derby Theatre and Corn Exchange Newbury. This production is supported by Paul and Joanna Pearson.

Duration: 1hr 5mins (no interval)

Age Guide: 14+

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