Crete 1944. A young girl hides in the hollow of an ancient olive tree, watching helplessly, as her family are rounded up and loaded onto trucks. A horned shadow looms and she finds herself falling… falling…
An epic new play inspired by the myth of the Minotaur and the true tale of the lost Jews of Crete. A gripping narrative told via text, movement and shadow-play, we follow the life of Rena Depas as she embarks upon a labyrinthine quest to find peace in the wake of violence.
For this production, NMT Automatics have brought together a special team of creatives, who have worked with some of the most internationally renowned contemporary theatre companies, including: 1927, Gecko, Theatre Re, Ephemeral Ensemble, Barefaced Greek and Les Enfants Terribles.
Produced by NMT Automatics, Chromolume, and the Ancient Peace Studies Network and supported by Arts Council England, The Society for Classical Studies, East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue, JW3, Etz Hayyim Synagogue, Crete, and St Andrews University.
In development since Jan 2023, the show will be brought to completion in October 2026, ready for a 3-week run at Upstairs at The Gatehouse, Highgate and a UK tour.
Written by Jonathan D’Young
Created & developed by NMT Automatics
Rena: in the wake of war – Blog by Prof. Alice König
NMT Automatics 