Go to Gaza, Drink the Sea

Justin Butcher and Ahmed Masoud’s production is a bleak reminder of the human consequences of the Zionist aggression in Gaza, particularly focusing on the recent bloodbath enacted in the last days of the Bush government.

Its story focuses on a young man who takes refuge on Gaza beach when the IDF incursion threatens his home village. There he meets a figure, half Mephistopheles, half angel, who digs himself out of a shelled tunnel, and takes his charge on a grim tour of the war zone.

This format allows for an examination of such issues as the Israeli use of white phosphorous shells, as well as several atrocities and the views of an Israeli conscientious objector who objects to her country’s policies. Throughout, the soulful musicianship of Nizar Al-Issa is showcased with some soulful songs about the ongoing murder and oppression, while Jane Frere’s phosphorous-coated set, consisting mainly of hundreds of shoes is deeply affecting. But the tone is perhaps too unrelenting, and there’s a danger that the show might simply be reiterating events we already know about.

Assembly Hall, 623 3030, until 30 Aug, 2.30pm, £13–£15 (£11–£13).