EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL: As Far As Impossible

It’s a pity the UK premiere of this production isn’t on for longer. It needs to be seen! However, I would understand why it doesn’t have a long run. The subject matter must leave the four performers and the extraordinary percussionist absolutely exhausted. As just an audience member I left feeling nothing short of traumatised.

As Far As Impossible reveals the world through the eyes of humanitarian workers – what makes them do it, what they get out of it and, mostly, the horrors they encounter.

Written and directed by Tiago Rodrigues and performed by Comedie de Geneve, it is performed in English, French and Portuguese with supertitles, and takes the form of four aid workers being interviewed for a documentary.

Rodrigues’ dialogue, inspired by conversations he had with the International Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders, combines personal experiences with history in a way which is so harrowing I felt numb. If I was to start feeling I don’t think I could have coped. This was intensified by Gabriel Ferrandini’s heart-rending music, played with such great passion.

It’s a testament to people who are brave beyond belief, who put their lives on the line to help others, and there should have been collection buckets at the end of the show to help raise funds for these incredible people.

As Far As Impossible is at the Lyceum Theatre until Aug 14 at 7.30pm (2 hrs). Tickets: eif.co.uk