Photo credit: Suzi Corker
‘There’s going to be some changes round here, sugar and TV allowed whenever you want’
Favour is a play set in Ilford, London. It concerns three generations of Pakistani-original British Muslims who are torn apart by the imprisonment of Aleena (Anita Jay). Beginning with a big ‘Welcome home’ banner unfurled above the entrance to the sitting room. We slowly learn that Leila (Ashna Rabheru), Aleena’s daughter was under the custodianship of her Nano (Renu Brindle). The way Leila said the Urdu word for maternal grandma was just so sweet, and pulled at my heartstrings🥹. It reminded me of home and felt so authentic. It made me really rally for her throughout, and from the get go.
When you enter the Holloway Theatre space, you’re immediately faced with the set – the inside of the family’s living room – and a sink which literally is sunk into the ground. The banner reading ‘Welcome Home’ is clear that someone is to come back – and that’s when the story, like the banner, unfurls. It has a clear trajectory in terms of plot, but admittedly the end did surprise me.
Ambreen Razia’s new piece is a touching and hopeful domestic drama that tackles a variety of themes: izzat, alcohol addiction and mental health. With this piece, as part of a new co-commission between Bush Theatre and Clean Break, she shines a light on the women in South Asian diaspora communities often forgotten. It does, with dignity, tell a frank story of a working-class Muslim family in ways that I’ve never quite seen before on stage. Comedic relief is provided in the form of Fozia (Rina Fatania), and the audience roared with laughter (especially with her delivery of the word ‘Mash’allah’) as well as her spot-on perfect delivery of lines. The climax scene between her and Aleena was intense, but also utilised the stage’s levels really well. It could have come across as unreal, but both actresses worked hard to make it a real highlight of the show. Audiences gasped, as the tension went up a notch (or three!). The energy of the actors throughout is to be also commended.
I was really moved by this piece: I had, at one point, tears streaming in my eyes. For those of us in the South Asian diaspora, it really touches a raw nerve. The writing here is lurid, wondrous and all-round authentic; it will be a play that you see, and really learn from. It will transport you, and like me – you’ll be gripped by the drama on stage you’ll not have to look at your watch.
After it ended, I wished that we got a Part 2 I was that engrossed. Brilliant sets, direction and I’d go back in a heartbeat – for the characters reflected my very reality, which I don’t get to see often (if at all) on a British stage. Hats off to the entire team, and I wish it a prosperous run. Run, don’t walk, to see it – and whilst you’re there, do check-in to a lovely favourite restaurant of mine (Tian Fu, Sichuan Food) when I lived just off Goldhawk Road.
Until 6 August: https://www.bushtheatre.co.uk
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5/5
#Gifted #Ad #AdvertisementFeature #PressNightInvite