Review: The First Year (of the Gaza Genocide in the Media), New Diorama Theatre

Renowned for their fearless political theatre, award-winning collective BÉZNĂ Theatre turn their attention to the events of the first year after October 7th 2023 in their new play, The First Year (of the Gaza Genocide in the Media). The production examines how mainstream media coverage of the Gaza genocide has shaped public perception and the stories it continues to tell. Taking an anthological form, the narrative moves through a series of events and perspectives, delivered by an all Palestinian/Palestinian heritage cast. Promising a ‘blistering investigation’ into the relationship between media, state involvement and public perception, the work is ambitious and bold, though it struggles to convey the full intensity of its subject matter. 

Directed by Sînziana Cojocărescu, the production takes its subject matter seriously from the outset. The evocative writing is hard-hitting, blending first-hand accounts with fictionalised passages to weave together themes of conflict, state crime, and media representation. The result is as interrogating as it is informative. However, there are a lot of ideas competing within the 90-minute runtime. Straight dialogue sits alongside a musical number, performers intermittently address the audience in ‘meta’ moments, while other scenes take a more abstract approach. The overarching narrative feels unclear, so the intensity of the content doesn’t always land. This results in the impression of a play unsure of exactly what it wants to be. 

Dan Light’s video design is particularly effective. Text and statistics are projected across the space, enveloping the audience in the data and conveying the sheer scale of human loss. It draws the audience into the action and won’t let you look away. However, longer passages of text are sometimes projected too quickly to be fully read, resulting in missed contexts. 

Jida Akil’s set design is brilliant. Working within the tight dimensions of the New Diorama’s black-box theatre, she fills the space with a straightforward design. Part diorama, part tunnel, it consists of connected clear-fronted boxes filled with soil. The soil creates a dual perspective: both the scorched earth of the city and a distant view of a rolling landscape, offering a bittersweet sense of what was, and what is. As the actors interact with the boxes, they become platforms, walls, streets and meeting rooms, expanding the world of the play far beyond the studio. Working well alongside the video and lighting aspects, Akil’s design demonstrates just how much can be done with very little. 

The standout performance of the night comes from Maryam Abu Khaled. Her handling of sensitive material is deft, combining wry humour and wit with sorrowful undercurrents. Luca Kamleh Chapman also delivers a notable performance, creating clear, well-defined characters with engaging physicality and steady delivery. Sara Masry and Sofia complete the ensemble with able performances. However, several thrown lines and flat deliveries gave the impression of the cast being ‘just off book’, taking some of the gravity from the performance as a whole. 

To stage a play tackling one of the worst conflicts in modern history, amid deepening political division, is a bold choice. BÉZNĂ Theatre meets that challenge with sincerity and vision. The writing is intense, inviting audiences to confront human tragedy while interrogating the media’s role in shaping public perception. Excellent set and video designs from Jida Akil and Dan Light create a world that envelops the viewer in the devastation. Yet, by attempting to compress so many concepts into 90 minutes, the production sacrifices narrative clarity, impact, and consistency. A good play that could become excellent with further development. 

Directed by Sînziana Cojocărescu
Written by Sînziana Cojocărescu, Hannah Khalil, Ahmed Masoud & Anonymous
Produced by Claire Gilbert for BÉZNĂ Theatre
Assistant Director: Hassan Al Rawas
Set & Costume Design by Jida Akil
Video Design by Dan Light

The First Year (of the Gaza Genocide in the Media) plays at New Diorama Theatre  until Saturday 10 October.