“A one-man show full of heart, but lacking in structure and depth”
Part of the Royal Court’s 70th anniversary season, Between The River and The Sea continues the trend of bold programming from artistic director David Byrne. The controversial title provokes a reaction before the piece even begins, although creator/performer Yousef Sweid insists the play isn’t political.
A Christian-Arab-Palestinian-Israeli, Sweid has often felt like he’s living a double life. Now raising children in Germany from two different Jewish-Israeli ex-wives, Sweid is facing a custody battle that he is determined to keep civil. This one-man show is laced with gentle humour and empathy, the subject matter is handled delicately and with grace that the provocative title doesn’t suggest.
Loosely structured around his life story, the show ambles from one moment to the next, lacking in structure that would drive the plot forward. The overall message is one of peace and unity, Sweid acknowledges the pain and suffering caused on all sides and dares to dream of a utopia without borders.
Sweid plays beautifully to a familiar audience, exclaiming ‘I see so many of my friends!’ as he walks out onto stage. His performance is met with constant whoops, laughs and cheers which at times he can’t help but reference, further diluting the wandering narrative. This is a true community performance, with director Isabella Sedlak joining him to take a bow at the end.
The show played at Edinburgh Fringe in 2025 and feels suited to the festival format, as it is presented on a bare stage bar a few protest flags, a chair and a microphone. Despite having previous runs, the show itself feels unfinished, with rambling stories that go nowhere and some half-hearted audience interaction that is quickly abandoned. It’s a 60-minute part standup, part theatre piece that doesn’t feel particularly suited to this more traditional venue.
Nonetheless this is a performance full of heart and Sweid seems like the perfect person to deliver his message of radical empathy, acceptance and peace. He is charming and easy to watch, offering an optimistic view of the future through the eyes of his Jewish children, living such protected lives in Berlin they can’t remember the word for antisemitism.
Between The River and The Sea runs at Jerwood Theatre Upstairs at Royal Court Theatre until May 9, 2026. Tickets are available here.