AD INFINITUM

• Co-created by George Mann, Ramesh Meyyappan
• Deviser and Performer Ramesh Meyyappan
• Director George Mann
• Sound Designer and Composer Tayo Akinbode
• Video and Projection Designer Christopher Harrisson
• Lighting Designer Ali Hunter
• Set and Costume Designer Katie Sykes
• Production Manager and Engineering Ed Borgnis
• Company Stage Manager (Operating) Hannah Clare
• Technical Stage Managers (Relighting) Chaz Webb, Frazer Riches
• Lead British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreter Pascale Maroney
• BSL Consultant Lynn Stewart-Taylor
• Dramaturgical Support Megan Vaughan Thomas, Ifẹ Grillo, Dr Paddy Ladd, DL Williams, Aisha Ali, Nir Paldi
• Communication and Engagement Associate David Ellington
• Creative Associate Jithya Wijesinghe
• PR Mobius Industries
• Promotional and BSL Videos David Ellington
• Promotional Photography Mihaela Bodlovic, Camilla Adams, Jack Offord, Camilla Greenwell
• Trailer Camilla Adams with additional footage by Ben Hewis
• Wellbeing support provided by The Artist Wellbeing Company

Age Limit: +14

Lasts approx. 65’; without interval

Non-verbal; BSL (British Sign Language) is occasionally used as a physical form of expression, with English translations at the backdrop and Turkish translations on surtitles.

How do you say goodbye when words were never there?

A deaf man who left his homeland years ago following a conflict with his father has twenty-four hours to arrange his father’s funeral. Arjun’s father never learned sign language, the only means through which he could have communicated with his son, who has been deaf since birth. Returning to India, Arjun decides to enact his own ritual of farewell, confronting a complex father-son relationship shaped by lifelong silence and left unresolved by death.

Last Rites is a story of return to childhood and to one’s roots, and at the same time an honest attempt at goodbye, an inner reckoning in the face of traditional funeral rites that fall short of addressing unspoken pain. A striking example of physical theatre, the production is supported by animated imagery. High bass frequencies are used to transform sound into bodily vibration, creating a sensory connection between stage and audience.

Arjun is played by Ramesh Meyyappan, a deaf actor himself. Through sign language, mime, rhythm, and corporeal expression, Meyyappan constructs a unified and finely calibrated stage language. He single-handedly embodies Arjun’s bittersweet memories, including his primary school teacher, family members, and his father at different stages of life, bringing invisible objects and spaces into presence through his body. Creative captions, integrated as part of the visual design, ensure the performance is fully accessible and provides an equitable experience for hearing, hard-of-hearing, and deaf audiences.

Created by the award-winning company Ad Infinitum, founded in the UK in 2007 and internationally recognised for its inclusive and high-quality productions, this epic solo performance explores love, loss, miscommunication, and parenthood, and has received wide acclaim on some of the UK’s most prestigious stages.

‘The show’s impressive visual design, creative captions, and dynamic projections both increase accessibility and strengthen the critical moments of the narrative.’
-The Independent

‘In the absence of a common language... This non-verbal solo performance offers an equally accessible experience for deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing audiences.’
-A Youngish Perspective

‘Tremendous.’
-The Guardian

‘An inspiring piece of theatre that crosses many boundaries.’
-Plays International

Tickets go on general sale on Wednesday 22 April at 10.30. A priority booking period for Black, White and Red Tulip Card members begins on Tuesday 21 April at 10.30. For detailed information on ticketing, student tickets and the 50% discount available to audience members with disabilities, please click here. The festival programme will be announced in full in September.

A Q&A session with Ramesh Meyyappan will follow the performance on 7 November 2026.

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

A physical theatre workshop with Ramesh Meyyappan will take place on 7 November 2026, at 15.00. The workshop is open to everyone, deaf and hearing, who is interested in physical theatre. Participation is limited to 20 people. Those who wish to apply must send a short biography and a motivation letter to theatre@iksv.org after 10 August 2026. Earlier applications will not be accepted.

PLEASE NOTE

• Light, sound and haze effects may be disturbing for audience members with sensory sensitivities.
• Food and beverage options are available at the venue.
• Cloakroom service is provided free of charge.
• A waiting area and garden space are available.

ACCESSIBILITY

• The venue can be reached via Marmaray (Söğütlüçeşme stop, 150 m), Metrobus (Söğütlüçeşme stop, 130 m), and bus (Söğütlüçeşme stop, 140 m).
• There is no parking facility at the venue. The nearest accessible car park is Parktürk Kadıköy, where designated disabled parking spaces are available.
• The venue entrance and all areas are step-free.
• The auditorium is wheelchair accessible.
• There is one accessible toilet on site; additional toilets for men and women are also available.