Nil Bosca is a French artist who combines her wonderful talents as a theater artist with her skills in hip hop and contemporary dance. On Thursday, September 26, 2024 Bosca presented her brilliant one woman show titled Euphrate at the charming Théâtre Raymond Kabbaz (TRK) in Los Angeles. Euphrate, which is currently touring France, the USA and Canada, was created around Bosca’s Turkish origins. Speaking in French with supertitles, Bosca moved in and out of portraying herself at different ages, her father, a school counselor, a therapist and others with the same ease most of us have shifting positions in a chair or standing.

Nil Bosca in "Euphrate" - Photo by Arthur HERVÉ-LENHARDT.

Nil Bosca in “Euphrate” – Photo by Arthur HERVÉ-LENHARDT.

Bosca, as Euphrate, utilized a variety of additional clothing and headpieces which hung on a costume rack, a metal table, chair and her cell phone. She moves from persona to persona seamlessly while putting on or taking off multiple garments.

Euphrate’s mother was born in Normandy, France and her father somewhere in Turkey. His family were Bedouins, so he had no idea where he was born.  Throughout the evening, Euphrate converses primarily with her Turkish father about what she should do with her life and her plans to visit the tiny village in Turkey where his family finally settled.

Nil Bosca in "Euphrate" - Photo by Marion Stalens.

Nil Bosca in “Euphrate” – Photo by Marion Stalens.

She was seventeen when we first met Euphrate and from what she told us, she was not particularly fond of school or necessarily good at anything. She visits a counselor but does not come away with any concrete ideas but tries unsuccessfully to study medicine.

Bosca’s physicality while conversing with others or how her mind and body are reacting to trying to learn subjects that her brain can not comprehend, is truly amazing to watch. The way in which she incorporates her talents as a dancer is unique in the sense that it appears as if one is witnessing the internal struggles of her mind.

Nil Bosca in "Euphrate" - Photo by Victor Hadrien.

Nil Bosca in “Euphrate” – Photo by Victor Hadrien.

Her life begins to change and take focus as Euphrate travels to Turkey and while waiting for a bus to travel to her father’s small village, she goes into a museum in Istanbul. There she sees a small photo of the first Islamic actress in Turkey, Afife Jale. After meeting her father’s family members, she lives with them for a few days and begins to understand why her father acts the way he does. Once back home, Euphrate decides to become a psychological therapist and indeed makes it through three years of study before realizing that this too is not what she is good at. Upon remembering the photo of Afife Jale, it was a career in theater that she decided to pursue.

Bosca was alone onstage for over an hour and throughout her energy level remained high. Her talents as an actor, comedian, and a mover were impressive. It was the combining of these two talents that made Euphrate so enjoyable. I cared about this person. She caused me to worry about her, laugh at her and want to aid her through the difficult times.

Nil Bosca in "Euphrate" - Photo by Marion Stalens.

Nil Bosca in “Euphrate” – Photo by Marion Stalens.

As the evening progressed, one sensed that Euphrate was at least partially autobiographical and indeed Nil Bosco received a Master’s degree in clinical psychology before entering the Conservatorire d’art dramatique de 12éme arrondissement de Paris and then the École du Jeu.  She also studied contemporary dance and hip hop with choreographers Jann Gallois and Chrystel Calvet, among others.

Euphrate was written, performed and directed by Nil Bosca; Additional directing by Stanislas Roquette and Olivier Constant; Writing collaboration by Alexe Poukine and Hassam Chancy; Assistant Director was Jane David; and Choreographic look by Chrystel Calvet. The sound was by Stephanie Verissimo; Lighting Design by Genevieve Soubirou; Scenographic support by Cerise Guyon; Regard complice was Frédérique Le Van; and Audio and Lighting Design at TRK.

For audiences in Los Angeles, it is sad that Nil Bosca’s astonishing performance in Euphrate played here only one night.

To learn more about Nil Bosca, please click HERE.

To learn more about the Théâtre Raymond Kabbaz, please visit their website.


Written by Jeff Slayton for LA Dance Chronicle.

Featured image: Nil Bosca in “Euphrate” – Photo by Marion Stalens.