BY HEART
Battersea Arts Centre
★★★★★
“a beautiful transmission of theatre, storytelling and humanity”
What a beautiful, intimate and gripping piece of theatre. Tiago Rodrigues’ By Heart is a treasure chest of stories, which takes us on a journey through history, reinforcing the importance of storytelling and the precious sanctity of literature and memory.
Throughout the play Rodrigues dips and weaves his way through stories, quotes, poems and memories all whilst tackling the objective of teaching ten audience members (coaxed on stage by Rodrigues’ charisma, humour and charm) a Shakespeare sonnet. It is a play fuelled with dramatic action and Rodrigues trumps in managing it all.
Although Rodrigues would argue that this isn’t autobiographic theatre, we get a deep dive into his life, drawing from experiences with his grandmother, father and the stories that live in him from great authors. Every story he tells is a tale of strength, wisdom and intimacy all endowed with a dash of rebellion.
To me this is a love story. Family love, the love of literature, the love of language. Rodrigues demonstrates that love is an action, it requires effort and that effort is beautifully reflected in the challenge presented to the recruited performers, as they demonstrate vulnerability through trying to learn something by heart.
The space was the perfect setting for such a piece. The walls of the Grand Hall in the Battersea Art Centre are dripping history, automatically transporting you to another time – perfect for the ritual of storytelling and tradition. The set (Magda Bizarro) was simple, eleven seats and two crates overflowing with books.
By Heart is a beautiful transmission of theatre, storytelling and humanity. You will laugh, you will think, you may even cry – I definitely did. This performance is profoundly moving, both emotionally and mentally, it is a testament to the power of theatre.
BY HEART
Battersea Arts Centre
Reviewed on 14th October 2025
by Paige Wilson-Lawrence
Photography by Christophe Raynaud de Lage
Previously reviewed at this venue:
EXXY | ★★★★★ | October 2025
BLUE BEARD | ★★★★ | April 2024
SOLSTICE | ★★★★ | December 2023
LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD | ★★½ | December 2022
TANZ | ★★★★ | November 2022
