Stefan Zweigs The World of Yesterday": culture, chaos, cabaret!A journey through the life of the renowned Austrian writer whose memoir captured the essence of the human experience in the early 20th century. Born to a Jewish family in Vienna, Zweig flourished during the peaceful pre-war years, before being forced into exile by the rise of Nazism. The World of Yesterday chronicled an irreversibly changing world, offering a poignant look at the fragility of civilization, and how easily we can be lost to hate. Holding a mirror to the world of today, this experimental cabaret adaptation asks us to look at our place in the continuing story.Bringing together a diverse and multi-disciplinary group of artists, the show is led by queer Jewish theatre-maker Anya Ostrovskaia, whose unequivocally political work deals with past, present, and the threads between. Her London debut Rooms Left Behind, a collaborative theatrical installation linking the Russian Invasion of Ukraine and Hong Kong protests, was shown at LIFT Festival, VAULT Festival, and Migration Matters Festival. Her immersive installation Theatre of Gulags excavated the dark history of USSR labour camps and the theatres built inside them, winning VAULT Festival's Innovation Award before being selected for a residency at London Performance Studios. An enlightening and emotionally powerful experience, The World of Yesterday is a testament to the enduring power of art and culture, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this review has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

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Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
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Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now