Three Billion Letters at Riverside Studios
Is it a play? Is it a science lesson? Is it a public forum? Yes. Three Billion Letters arrives at Riverside Studios feeling like it was created in a lab by sewing together dug-up pieces of other concepts.
This performance from TAKDAJA blends science and art to talk about DNA. The three cast members mention aspects of their own DNA and invite the audience to write things down, answer questions, stand up, sit down and move around the room a lot. In fact, the evening feels like it’s about 80% audience participation.
Beyond that, it’s hard to say what this production really is or what it’s trying to say. There’s no narrative as such, just three people on stage occasionally asking attendees to pick a plum from a basket or raise their hand if they find certain sounds annoying. This is interspersed with segments of genetic factoids, like someone having a one in seven chance of a condition, and abstract skits, like pulling miscellaneous items out of a plastic orb while making statements about identity.
It’s not really a show specifically for learning more about the science of DNA, or discussing and debating genetic advancements or about identity and self-worth. It’s not purely a comedy show, nor an educational show. But there’s a smattering of each of those things.
This unique experience is not without intrigue and interest. There are some thought-provoking questions raised, such as “Are designer babies ok?” or “Would you wipe out all genetic conditions?”, though it feels like more could be explored than just briefly posing these.
And it’s undeniably fun: the cast, Mimmi Bauer, Patrycja Dynowska and Michał Szpak, do a great job of keeping up the energy and creating laughs throughout. Even with a nervous crowd, they’re able to put them at ease and invite participation.
Three Billion Letters is something mainstream audiences may struggle with, as there’s no clear genre, narrative or message to derive. But to the right people, it could be very interesting.
Jim Compton-Hall
Photos: Courtesy of Three Billion Letters
Three Billion Letters is at Riverside Studios from 12th until 17th August 2025. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.
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