Ad Infinitum | Last Rites
Filmed at Bristol Old Vic.

How do you say goodbye when words were never there?

Arjun’s father never learnt to sign, and now that he’s gone, Arjun must find his own way to honour him. In a world where ancient traditions meet modern reality, Arjun embarks on a deeply personal and visually mesmerising quest to create a farewell ritual for his father – one woven from memory, love, and loss.

Travel from the UK to India in Last Rites, a stunning fusion of visual storytelling, electrifying movement, and an immersive soundscape you can feel as well as hear. This is theatre like you’ve never experienced it before, rich with emotion, beauty, and innovation.

Created by internationally acclaimed theatre-makers Ramesh Meyyappan and George Mann, multi-award-winning Ad Infinitum’s (Translunar Paradise ★★★★★ The Observer, Light ★★★★★ The Times), Last Rites redefines what theatre can be.

A feast for the senses, designed for everyone. Featuring creative captions, Sign Language, and a deep, resonant soundtrack that can be felt or heard, Last Rites is truly for deaf, Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing audiences alike.

A story of love. A story of loss. A story that transcends language.

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

Running Time 65 mins (no interval)
Last Rites is suitable for ages 14+.
Last Rites contains strobe lighting, haze, loud music and heavy use of bass. It contains themes of grief and death, parental abuse and trauma.

CREDITS
Co-created by George Mann and Ramesh Meyyappan
Deviser and Performer - Ramesh Meyyappan
Director - George Mann
Sound Designer & 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 BSL Interpreter - Pascale Maroney
BSL Consultant - Lynn Stewart-Taylor
Dramaturgical Support - Megan Vaughan Thomas, Ifẹ Grillo, Dr Paddy Ladd, DL Williams, Aisha Ali and Nir Paldi
Communication & 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

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.