Mandala Theatre: Rhinoceros

Mandala Young Company in ‘Rhinoceros’ written by Eugene Ionesco, adapted by Yasmin Sidhwa 

Mandala Young Company’s adaptation of Ionesco’s Rhinoceros is a commentary on society today, a chilling observation on conformity amid chaos and the struggle to know what the truth is, amongst so much propaganda and misinformation. In a vibrant physical theatre performance, we see a young man's transformation, from apathy to responsibility, as the world around him descends into violence, division, and greater levels of absurdity, with him realising that he has now become the monstrous outsider, in a world of conformist rhinos. The cast of ethnically diverse and white working-class young performers bring a refreshing, funny and insightful perspective on what is happening today with a frame of reference that is both personal and global. The play will be performed in Ramallah, Palestine, to an international audience before having its UK premiere at Offbeat in Oxford at Arts at the Old Fire Station, on Sunday 17th July at 3pm. 

About Mandala Theatre Company 

Mandala is a place where young people come together to create, train, perform and belong. We co-create with young people from diverse backgrounds to place their lived experience at the heart of the creative process and the stories that are presented on stage by both young people and young professional performers. Mandala is the only professional ethnically diverse and female-led cultural organisation in Oxford whose work centres on working with young people and artists from ethnically diverse and white working-class backgrounds. Mandala: 

•Employs, trains, and nurtures young artists, offering pathways into the Creative Industry.  

• Is dedicated to creating work that is authentic and relevant, exploring the intersection between race, identity, and class. Giving voice to those whose stories are not heard and giving those stories life by producing theatre for local, national, and international audiences. 

 • Co-creates work with young people who have lived experience of the themes and stories we share. 

• Delivers a Creative Training Programme with/for young people, especially those marginalised and who do not readily access the arts. 

www.mandalatheatre.co.uk