“I found myself holding my breath – amazed with every move that was made. 'Multi-national, multi-skilled theatre with an uplifting message of hope for a better life that no-one should be denied. The Arrival is mainly a wordless graphic novel that tells the story of a man who leaves his family to immigrate to a strange new land. When you first pick up this very brown and battered-looking wordless picture book graphic novel with the sepia-toned photograph on the. 'A moving marriage of theatre, sound and circus. The Arrival (Tan, 2007) is an excellent first time graphic novel for teachers who wish to help their ELL students. 'A thing of rare beauty well worth trying to see.' A beautiful, moving piece of loss and longing that never feels less than honest and truthful to those whose stories it represents. PRAISE for The Arrival: With this haunting, wordless sequence about a lonely emigrant in a bewildering city, Tan. 'A beautifully understated show that encompasses many kinds of language: physical, musical and emotional. The Arrival has been in development since 2008, find out more about showcases at Circus Space 2011 and Southbank Centre 2012 plus past workshops and training as well as artists commissions (supported by London Councils) from 2010 - 2011 here.

We are thrilled to be working with iceandfire, Write to Life and the choir Woven Gold on a series of events around the themes of migration and asylum that will accompany the performances of The Arrival. This epic migration story unfolds through an extraordinary weaving together of theatre, circus and music. Others he meets along the way share his dream of building a home in a new city and being joined by their families.Ī moment of kindness in a sea of unfamiliarity… A long, hard day at work…īased on the illustrated novel by Oscar winner Shaun Tan, one man’s tale echoes the many ‘arrivals’ happening around us all the time. Co-created by Kristine Landon-Smith and Sita Brahmachariīased on the illustrated novel by Shaun Tanĭirected by Kristine Landon -Smith Scripted by Sita Brahmachariĭele plays a last game of football with his friends, says goodbye to his son and sets off on a voyage to a smog-filled metropolis across the sea.Ĭarrying only a small suitcase he embarks on a journey into the unknown.

The arrival illustrated novel