Nowhere review – an audacious and radical message for peace
Khalid Abdalla’s solo show at Battersea Arts Centre in London boldly merges personal stories with urgent political issues, creating what he refers to as an “anti-biography.” The performance navigates complex themes such as Western colonialism, the aftermath of 9/11, British identity, the stereotyping of Arab actors, Hamas’s violence, and the ongoing war in Gaza.
In Abdalla’s view, this work isn’t merely a reflection on belonging; rather, it challenges the very notion of it. The performance unfolds as a multimedia tapestry, interweaving images, audio, personal anecdotes, songs, and dance. Among its elements, we hear a resonant quote from former Prime Minister Theresa May: “If you believe you are a citizen of the world, you are a citizen of nowhere.” Abdalla skillfully subverts this narrative, urging us to consider where one might belong if the place they call home rejects or turns hostile against them. What does it mean to inhabit “Nowhere-land”?
Directed by Omar Elerian and produced by Fuel, this 90-minute production flows seamlessly while examining Abdalla’s life as a Glaswegian Egyptian from a family of political dissenters. Drawing on his experiences as a protester in Tahrir Square during the Arab Spring, he reflects on the rise of anti-Arab sentiment following the attacks on the Twin Towers and how he’s navigated typecasting in his acting career.
The show intricately blends personal and political elements, engaging with the current conflict in the Middle East alongside the poignant narrative of a terminally ill Egyptian friend. It confronts the enduring legacy of Western colonialism in the Arab world, the trauma of 9/11, the actions of Hamas, the realities of Israeli occupation, and the plight of Palestinians in Gaza.
One of the most striking visuals in the performance is a line of clothing displayed on a beach, symbolizing the countless children lost in Gaza. This haunting imagery extends indefinitely, reinforcing the themes of loss. Throughout the show, photographs capture moments from Abdalla’s life, juxtaposed with images of Ronald Reagan, anti-apartheid protests, and figures like Bin Laden and the Abu Ghraib scandal, intertwining personal experiences with broader political narratives.
While “Nowhere” sometimes presents a chaotic or unfocused experience, its rich moments elevate it beyond a conventional theater production. It invites the audience to engage deeply with its urgent message for peace, positioning art as a radical response in today’s world. The show will be at Battersea Arts Centre until October 19 before moving to Home in Manchester from October 22 to 26.
