By Heart at Battersea Arts Centre is a small masterpiece built from language and human presence. Written, directed, and performed by Tiago Rodrigues, it braids Shakespeare with writers from many eras into a living study of memory and what we choose to carry. At its core sits a grandson and his grandmother. Her request becomes the engine of the night, and every line learned in the room feels like an act of care for her and for everyone gathered.
.jpeg)
The concept is simple and unique. Ten seats wait for audience members who will learn and hold short passages. At first no one steps forward. The pause stretches. Then something turns and people surge to the stage, three times as many as there are chairs, a visible hunger to take part. The invited participants become a temporary cast. Their spontaneous exchanges with Rodrigues and with each other guide the rhythm, and the wider audience leans in as if listening to a family ritual.
.jpeg)
What you watch is learning made theatrical. There is a gentle suspense in the air as everyone listens for stumbles, but the anticipation that someone might mess up is endearing and cute. It was reassuring to watch those who volunteered be just as human as you hope they will be.
.jpeg)
Two small gestures seal the night. Onstage, the participants handle a copy of the poem that is edible, a witty nod to the way language can be taken in and made part of you. At the end, we each receive a printed copy of the sonnet to carry out into the world. The gift feels earned and personal. By Heart is theatre about memory, care, and the quiet power of speaking together. It invites you to hold language in your mouth and keep it for someone you love. For anyone who treasures text and live human attention, this unique concept proves to be essential viewing.
