A bingo night like no other

Everybody loves bingo. In Cyprus, it is more commonly known as tombola and an upcoming event will blend the game with an interactive performance in which the audience can take part. On December 15, the Yasemin Collective will present a tombola night in Cypriot – a kind of performance that will touch on the Cypriot reality with the participation of the audience members.

In the last few years, the Yasemin Collective has been exploring the themes of games of chance such as tombola and the Cypriot identity. Following their performance #kazanτί, which toured the island’s theatres, festivals and squares, a new project puts another game the people love in the spotlight. #tombολα was first presented at the Pame Kaimakli Festival in 2022 and now, it will take place in old Nicosia for another round of fun and humour.

This bingo night at Entos ton Technwn however, will not be just like any other as the Yasemin Collective’s version is slightly altered. Through this performance game, the team aims to explore social and class themes and the rules that exist depending on who you are and where you come from. The team notes that the word used in Greek for bingo, tombola, is likely to derive from the Italian word ‘tombolare’ which means to tumble, linking it to the luck element of the game as players stumble upon lucky numbers. Within this context, the performance aims to create a framework within which power games apply using sarcasm, humour and critical thinking.

Tombola Night

Interactive performance game by the Yasemin Collective. December 15. Entos ton Technwn, Nicosia. 8.30pm. €10. Tel: 97-681858. www.yasemincollective/tickets