66 Minutes in Damascus is an immersive, high-stakes performance written and directed by Lucien Bourjeily for the LIFT Festival. Set in the dark, labyrinthine corridors of Shoreditch Town Hall, the play transports audiences to a virtual ‘Damascus,’ where a Syrian official interrogates spectators about an undercover journalist in their midst. The show is inspired by real stories of those detained by the Assad regime, Bourjeily’s characters embody the fear and resistance of Syria’s disappeared citizens. The show’s immersive nature forces the audience to confront complex questions about complicity, rebellion, and morality in the face of authoritarianism.
The show deeply integrates the audience into its narrative, turning spectators into participants. From the moment they enter, audience members are treated as tourists in a virtual 'Damascus,' moving through the space and interacting with the actors. They may be questioned, accused, or even physically guided through intense, realistic scenes, including moments where they witness or experience simulated detainment. This level of immersion blurs the line between observer and participant, challenging the audience to confront their own reactions to fear, authority, and resistance.
