Three Billion Letters

In a Venn diagram of theatre and science, TAKDAJA’s Three Billion Letters would sit squarely at the centre. Pushing the boundaries of what theatre can be, this fascinating piece of performance art explores what truly makes us who we are, taking the audience on a rollercoaster through ethics, genetics, emotion and humour. Where you find yourself at the beginning of the show will likely be very different from where you end up, both figuratively and literally.

From the moment we entered the space, conversation was sparked. Each audience member was handed a slip of paper, an envelope, a pen and a set of instructions. As the seats filled, whispers rippled across the room as people speculated about what might unfold, some already attempting to grapple with the question placed before them. The atmosphere was one of curiosity and intrigue. Even before the performance formally began, the production had us hooked, suspended somewhere between confusion and fascination.

What followed was seventy minutes of ideas delivered through an array of scenes and segments, performed by three artists from varied backgrounds. Mimmi Bauer, who co directs alongside Theodor Spiridon, appears with Patrycja Dynowska and Michal Szpak. All three are immensely engaging performers. Their passion for the subject matter builds a strong sense of trust, encouraging the audience to explore complex ideas in a way rarely seen in a theatre setting. Szpak also serves as the scientific consultant, grounding the piece with authority and insight that proves invaluable as the themes unfold.