A theatrical exercise in resisting oblivion

Tiago Rodrigues watched as his 94-year-old grandmother began to go blind. She asked him grandson to choose a book that she would read and then commit to memory. The responsibility for the decision is the subject of one of the many personal stories the artist shares with the audience. The common thread in all his accounts is the sense and significance of learning something by heart. Under his guidance, 10 members of the audience will memorise a Shakespearian sonnet. Tiago Rodrigues manages, with the simplest of means, to create a moment of great intimacy and genuine community. Ultimately, the performance is a kindly act of resistance against impermanence and conformity.