Albania. Since at least the time of Mozart, it has been the joke country of Europe; strange and ‘other’. Later history has reinforced that, notably through the extreme totalitarianism of the post-war dictator Hoxha, and, more recently, its alleged association with international crime. The truth, as ever, is much richer. Alex Reynolds seeks to explore the reality, and the result is a compelling, intensely personal, narrative. It’s rooted in her strong intuitive relationship with her grandfather which mainly goes round her parents, even if having its own complexity. It’s a story well told but not (as you will discover) merely the telling of a story. Full of warmth, it made me want to visit Albania and its mountains and eagles.

Pleasance Courtyard, until 25 Aug.
tw rating 4/5 | [Alan Cranston]