Nassim – Traverse Theatre

Dominic Corr

Aug 27

Written and Performed by Nassim Soleimanpour

Directed by Omar Elerian

Guest Performance by Gren McHugh

Rating: 4 out of 5.

For the past six years, Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour's moniker-based production Nassim has beguiled and bewildered some of the industry's most potent performers. Notable names who have taken to the show in the past include David Grief and Zinnie Harris, comedian Phil Jupitus, the legendary Whoopie Goldberg, and most recently as part of its Edinburgh Festival Fringe run at the Traverse Theatre, Christopher Eccleston, and tonight: Greg McHugh.

The premise is simple yet tricky for performers and one of tremendous weight to Soleimanpour's history: personal heritage and culture. Until right up until this moment on the Traverse stage, McHugh has never seen the script. He's never seen the play, and he's got no sodding idea what the show is about. Behind the scenes, led by Soleimanpour (who is backstage) through a large video projection to offer guidance, direction, and some fantastic live corrections to the script thanks to McHugh's rhythm of speech.

Now, in truth, Nassim has two narratives here: an uncomplicated and touching one (no spoilers). And a much wider one, the weight of the show carried in Soleimanpour's connection with their performer, with the audience, and the openness that emerges from the script's truth. Cause here's the rub – the Iranian playwright has never had the production performed in Iran, and gradually, Soleimanpour is noticing that his grasp of Farsi, of the country's heritage is slipping away from him. So, one by one, we learn the words to recite a story for Soleimanpour's mother tongue – and McHugh delivers an earnest, creative, and guile. Following the wishes and script with professionalism and a clear connection with the intentions behind the words McHugh has never spoken.

Brilliantly for a performer more traditionally known for large, often comedic roles, McHugh takes to Soleimanpour's script with an incredible degree of decorum, warmth, and respect – though the comedy still has a touching place as McHugh attempts to unravel NASSIM's structure alongside the audience. But the magnitude of power lies in Soleimanpour's creative writing and set-up, directed by Omar Elerian which cuts to the heart of language – both its ability to offer freedom and the limitations the barriers present. While Farsi and English (with some Scots) are the projected voices, Nassim is more so a universal language of humanity. And even then, its sentimentality isn't overwhelming with a strong blending of technology, projection, and fun audience interactions.

With no rehearsals, no preparations, and no warnings, Nassim in many ways could wobble and stumble down many avenues. But this evening, and likely throughout the Traverse run that concludes with a guest performance from Apphia Campbell, it is a unique demonstration of how words and universal love can keep us together, even when apart.

Unique

Nassim runs at the Traverse Theatre until August 27th at 19.00pm
Suitable for ages 12+
Running time - Seventy-five minutes without interval
Tickets: £22.00 (Con. available)