This October, Centrala is delighted to host Paper Swans, a critically acclaimed one-act play that has been making waves since its debut at the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Hailed by audiences and critics alike as “extraordinary” and “gloriously done,” this haunting and visually striking production is an unmissable experience for Birmingham theatre lovers and anyone seeking bold, thought-provoking art.
Set in a closed park at night, the story unfolds when a lone security guard encounters a mysterious young woman dressed in a ballet costume. She sits silently on a bench, folding delicate paper swans. His attempts to question her set off a surreal and unsettling series of events, trapping both characters in a continuous loop of repeated encounters. With each meeting, the tension builds as they grapple to uncover the meaning behind her actions.
Blending elements of the Theatre of the Absurd with evocative visual storytelling, Paper Swans delves deep into universal themes of freedom, identity, and the right to exist without justification. It speaks to the complexities of living in a world where self-expression can be a luxury and where speaking freely is not always possible.
This play is deeply personal to its writer and performer, Vyte Garriga, who draws on her experiences as a woman from post-Soviet Lithuania navigating life in the UK. Her unique perspective infuses the work with a powerful authenticity, making Paper Swans both intimate and politically resonant.
A stand-out success at the Edinburgh Fringe
Supported by Flabbergast Theatre and Arts Council England, Paper Swans premiered at the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August 2024, where it received glowing reviews and captivated sold-out audiences.
Critics praised the play’s intensity, originality, and stunning production design:
★★★★★ Bouquets and Brickbats
“Gloriously done. I love it… The choreography is so precise and disciplined that every moment is intense, heightened to the nth degree. The hour flashes by and, as the actors take their bows, I realise that I’ve been holding my breath.”
★★★★☆ EdFest
“Confident and compelling… It dips unexpectedly into horror, off-kilter and discomforting, thought-provoking and intelligent.”
★★★★☆ Lothian Life
“An extraordinary piece of theatre that’s a gut punch to the senses and will have the viewer thinking about its implications for a long time afterwards.”
Meet the team behind Paper Swans.
This powerful production brings together a team of exceptional artists and creatives: Playwright and Performer: Vyte Garriga, Director: Simon Gleave, Performer: Daniel Chrisostomou, Composer and Musician: Nick Hart, Set Designer: Valentina Turtur, Producer: Flabbergast Theatre
With its striking visual design, live original music, and captivating performances, Paper Swans promises to be a theatrical experience that stays with you long after the final bow.
Bringing Paper Swans to Birmingham is an exciting opportunity for local audiences to experience cutting-edge theatre that has been celebrated on the international stage. Centrala, a hub for contemporary art, culture, and community in the city, is committed to showcasing bold, experimental work that challenges and inspires.
This play speaks directly to issues of freedom, identity, and belonging that resonate deeply with Birmingham’s diverse communities. It’s a chance to reflect on our shared humanity and engage with questions that are as personal as they are political.
Whether you are a regular theatregoer, a lover of experimental performance, or simply looking for an unforgettable evening out, Paper Swans offers something rare and extraordinary.
Date: 23rd October 2025, doors at 7PM, play to start at 7:30pm
Venue: Centrala, Birmingham
Tickets: Available now via Centrala’s website
Book your tickets today and experience a play that critics have described as “intelligent,” “compelling,” and “a gut punch to the senses.”