Borders by Henry Naylor @ Gilded Balloon

Inspired by the playwright’s encounters with refugees, Borders by Henry Naylor is a stark and unbridled statement on the crisis of our time. Naylor makes no bones about which side he is on; this is fast-paced, stripped-back theatre with only two actors, a stage light and a couple of stools for effect.

The action chops sharply between the lives of the two main characters. Sebastian Nightingale, played by Graham O’Mara, is a photographer with a will to change the world, whose principles are slowly eroded by the tide of capitalism and modernity. Avital Lvova plays a nameless Syrian girl, an artist turned activist who values freedom of expression above – and often to the detriment of – all else.

The way in which Borders' narrative flits abruptly from the streets of Syria to celebrity photoshoots in London reminds us of the startling dichotomy that exists between those in the east and the west, and how we rationalise our inertia. 

We are reminded too, by Johnny Messenger – journalist and moral bellwether – that staying silent is a both a choice and a political act. Empathy, kindness and compassion, we are told, are human traits we are in danger of losing altogether, as we chose to ignore the realities of those born among untold horrors in war-torn Syria. Graffiti becomes a poignant medium to challenge the established order of Assad, as we are shown the true power of defiance that art holds.

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Borders by Henry Naylor, Gilded Balloon Teviot (Dining Room), ​until 28 Aug, 4.30pm, £10.50-11.50