Supported by a stack of TV’s showing curated clips of real historical events, this solo performance weaves a story of the intergenerational impact of the trauma of needing to flee your homeland and claim asylum. Laith is born and raised in Britain, the child of refugees who have settled around London, but for whom the ongoing ramifications of colonialism and war have long tentacles that reach him decades on and miles away.
The very real examination of the impact on him as an individual, as we see him learn more about his parents and their own trauma, and has he unpacks his own, is a timely story in the shadow of the current government’s whitepaper on proposed changes to the current immigration rules, and a public opinion which seems to create others before it creates community.
The production and performance are strong — and the humour in the script helps to create tension and increases the impact of some of the truly upsetting moments of the play. I in particular enjoyed the design, leveraging light to create feelings of uncertainty and a broken mind.
I hope this production sees another run.