Kin
We exist both where we’ve come from and where we’re going
As a young child in 1932, Leah embarked on an epic journey from Yemen to Palestine. Ninety years later her grandson, Gecko’s Artistic Director Amit Lahav, imagines the voyage her family made to escape persecution and build a better life.
Gecko’s eighth theatre production sees Amit, together with Gecko’s extraordinary ensemble of international devising performers, present a provocative story of desperation and compassion. At a time when the re-birth of community and acceptance seem vital to our survival, they bring their own experiences of migration, racism, empathy and home to this poetically intoxicating performance.
Prepare to be moved to the core by Gecko’s hypnotising beauty, compelling global soundtrack, and unbarred emotion. Look inwards and ask ‘Who am I, and where do I belong?’
‘It is an enchanting sensory assault that leaves you weeping for the state of the world and with a hunger to make change’
★★★★★ Theatre & Tonic
‘It is a story so poignant at this point in modern history that it could not fail to move’
★★★★★ The Latest
‘The fact that we’re seeing this kind of work on the National Theatre’s stage means that the world is changing after all’
★★★★★ West End Best Friend
‘You’ll be moved to the core by its intensity and beauty. It’s an experience not to be missed’
★★★★★ East Midlands Theatre
‘A masterclass in physical theatre’
★★★★★ Afridiziak
‘It’s a vivid, very human show’
★★★★ The Independent
‘Extraordinary to witness’
★★★★ Broadway Baby
‘Thought-provoking and necessary’
★★★★ The Reviews Hub
‘Unconventional and thrilling… will live long in the memory’
★★★★ The Arts Desk
‘Extraordinary’
★★★★ London Theatre Reviews
‘A powerful testament to the resilience of humankind’
★★★★ All That Dazzles
‘A truly visceral journey of epic proportions’
Maxine Peake
‘Kin couldn’t be more timely… this is important work for our time’
Dominic West
‘Beyond outstanding and overwhelming, one of the most remarkable nights I’ve ever had in the theatre’
Omid Djalili
‘Detailed, profound, touching and frightening’
Arlene Phillips
‘This show reminds you that the deep human story we all share, in the multitude of languages spoken, is universal’
Layla Moran MP
See the show
Spring 2024
National Theatre
Upper Ground, South Bank, London SE1 9PX
12 – 27 Jan
“I was born somewhere else and migrated into a different culture, as did my father, my grandmother and four of my great grandparents.
I’ve always felt very comfortable on the move - creative and alert. I’m sure it’s a feeling that many of us share, a heightened suspension as we neither exist where we’ve come from nor where we’re going.
It feels right to be making a piece that explores migration, racism and family, particularly when reflecting on the events of the last 18 months. It is a theme that is incredibly important for our audience, Gecko and the National Theatre and we’re excited to be continuing and deepening our relationships together.” Amit Lahav
“I’ve been following Gecko’s work for a number of years and have a growing admiration for their dynamic and fearless approach to story in motion. Allied to this their commitment to internationalism, with completely integrated educational work, as well as their deeply embedded UK wide touring ethos, is hugely impressive. Their presence at the National Theatre is overdue, and we look forward very much to them being with us.”
Rufus Norris, Director of the National Theatre
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Created by Amit Lahav
Collaborating with
Set and Costume Design: Rhys Jarman
Lighting: Chris Swain
Sound: Mark Melville
With original music by Dave PriceDevising Performers:
Madeleine Fairminer, Vanessa Guevara Flores, Saju Hari, Wai Shan Vivian Luk, Miguel Hernando Torres Umba, Mario Patrón, Ryen Perkins-Gangnes, Kenny Wing Tao Ho.Producer: Rosalind Wynn
Assistant Director: Andres Velasquez
Company Stage Manager : Alyssa Watts
Technical Stage Manager: Jake Channon
Design Associate: Blythe Brett
Costume Supervisors: Gayle Playford, Becky-Dee Trevenen
Lighting Associate: Lucy Adams
Sound Engineer: Sharon TsangDuring Creation:
Devising Performers: Nathan Bartman, Lucia Chocarro, Neda Hadji-Mirzaei, Katie Lusby, Eléonore Pinet-Bodin, Joy Ritter, Rose Sall Sao, Clémentine Telesfort, Ádám Tompa.
Technical Manager: Mishi Bekesi
Technical Stage Manager: Djordje Jovanović
Production Electrician: Hector MurrayPhotography by John Ferguson, Richard Haughton, Mark Sepple and Todd MacDonald
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2022
HOME, Manchester, UKWarwick Arts Centre, Coventry, UK
2023
Lighthouse, Poole, UKNorthern Stage, Newcastle, UK
Norwich Theatre Royal, Norwich, UK
Storyhouse, Chester, UK
Cast, Doncaster, UK
Oxford Playhouse, Oxford, UK
Nottingham Playhouse, Nottingham, UK
Brighton Dome Corn Exchange, Brighton, UK
Support
Supported by Arts Council England and Ipswich Borough Council. Kin is a Gecko production. Commissioned by the National Theatre.
Supported by HOME Manchester, Lighthouse Poole and London International Mime Festival.
