22 Jul 2025

Loading Bay

Last Rites

How do you say goodbye when words were never there?

A story of love. A story of loss. A story that transcends language.

Arjun’s father never learnt to sign, and now that he’s gone, Arjun must find his own way to honour him. In a world where ancient traditions meet modern reality, Arjun embarks on a deeply personal and visually mesmerising quest to create a farewell ritual for his father – one woven from memory, love, and loss.

We travelled from the UK to India in Last Rites, a stunning fusion of visual storytelling, electrifying movement, and an immersive soundscape you feel as well as hear. This is theatre like you’d never experienced it before, rich with emotion, beauty, and innovation.

Tremendous”
The Guardian ★★★★
Last Rites Trailer

Created by internationally acclaimed theatre-makers Ramesh Meyyappan and George Mann, multi-award-winning Ad Infinitum’s (Translunar Paradise ★★★★★ The Observer, Light ★★★★★ The Times), Last Rites redefines what theatre can be.

A feast for the senses, designed for everyone. Featuring creative captions, Sign Language, and a deep, resonant soundtrack that can be felt or heard, Last Rites is truly for deaf, Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing audiences alike.

A still image of a BSL interpreter.
Last Rites BSL e-Flyer
Mighty theatrical lyricism”
The Scotsman ★★★★

Content warning

  • This show contains occasional flashing video and lighting, loud music and heavy use of bass.
  • Last Rites contains themes of grief and death, parental abuse and trauma.

Artist Bio

Ad Infinitum is a multi-award-winning, internationally acclaimed theatre company based in Bristol. A diverse-led company dedicated to making accessible, inclusive and captivating theatre, for over 18 years Ad Infinitum has used its signature physical style to champion marginalised voices in theatre and reach underserved audiences.

Ad Infinitum is proud to be Associate Artists at The North Wall, and a member of the Cultural Governance Alliance (CGA); and an Associate Artist Alumni at Bristol Old Vic, Bush Theatre (2011-2013), The Lowry (2011-2017) and Redbridge Drama Centre (2009-2017).

Ramesh Meyyappan is an award-winning theatre maker who develops performances using an eclectic mix of visual and physical theatre styles. Over the years, his solo performances and collaborations have toured nationally and internationally to much critical acclaim. He has been commissioned to devise, write and direct plays for other companies internationally.

Credits
Last Rites is made possible through funding from Arts Council England and Bristol City Council and co-commissioned by London International Mime Festival, Derby Theatre and Corn Exchange Newbury. This production is supported by Paul and Joanna Pearson.

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