SILENCE at Curve Theatre Leicester Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Leanne W

The 1947 partition of India into West Pakistan and East Pakistan – now Bangladesh – saw millions uprooted and resulted in unspeakable violence. It would also shape modern Britain. Silence is adapted from the testimonies and stories of people who lived through Partition. SILENCE is a new play focused on communal storytelling – presenting a shared history inspired by the remarkable personal testimonies of people who lived through the last days of the British Raj. Commissioned to mark the 75th anniversary of partition, SILENCE is adapted from Kavita Puri’s acclaimed book Partition Voices: Untold British Stories and expertly directed by Abdul Shayek and Iqbal Khan.

Throughout the play we hear the stories of real people who were affected by the partition. From Zara and Sami, fourth generation looking to learn more about their history, Maya discovering who her Dada was and his role in the changes. We hear first-hand from several characters who were directly affected. The whole play is told as a series of monologues and duologues, a group of stories some of which had been hidden, others where we see the people questioning and sharing their identity, who am I now all this has happened? British? Indian? Pakistani?

Rachana Jadhav’s scenery is simple giving us a feeling of the warmth of India and yet still remaining stark enough that we aren’t comfortable with the stories we are being told. Much of the action incorporates two frames (window/door style) which move throughout the play as appropriate; at one point it becomes a table, other times they are screens for projection. The costumes (Rose Revit) are also simple, created in muted tones, lending to the need for full attention to be given over to the stories, enhancing but not distracting.

There were times where low level hauntingly beautiful music is heard being played. During one scene we hear several of the cast members singing a Hindu lullaby. Each time the emotion of the stories was elevated by this. The use of lighting to create silhouettes and shadows, at times giving the feeling that ghosts were present, was clever and moving as we heard the voices of these ‘unseen’ people. The screens double up for projections of old photographs and, cleverly, the live recording and projection of some of the people as we were being told their stories. This showcased the great work and vision of Rachana Jadhav and Simeon Miller.

The cast comprises of six actors, each playing the roles of all of the characters. At times some of the characters were fairly similar to the role which had been played before, however it is worth noting that the content of some of the stories would make it difficult for the actors to showcase their full repertoire of character development skills. That said, special mention should go to Aaron Gill who moved seamlessly from the excitable, soon to be wed, Sami to the role of Young Irfan who tells us of his escape to Pakistan and the horrors which experienced on the way. Similarly, Asif Khan performed in three roles, each different from the next. James from Dundee who was matter of fact in his experience in India as a child. The devastating story of Kulvinder and his culpable anger at how he was treated by those he thought were friends and neighbours. Finally, as Jasvir, who begins joyously telling us about his games with his friend Salim until the partition forced their friendship apart, leaving nothing but devastation as the village tried to rebuild the community.

Ahead of my attendance at the play I knew very little of the partition. The telling of these stories challenges us to seek further knowledge to understand this part of history. The history which is so often kept from the mainstream books and media. SILENCE was not the kind of play I would usually attend; however, I would urge all those who are able to go and see it. Yes, the stories are terrible, but this play handles it in such a way that even though we were moved we are left considering the behaviours of our forefathers and remining ourselves that we must not allow such a horrific event to occur again. The play serves to remind us that our friends and neighbours all bring such different cultural history which should be embraced and celebrated, and certainly never left in the history books.

Rating: 5/5 – With a thoroughly deserved standing ovation

Silence

SILENCE is on until Saturday 20th April 2024.

Accessible performances -BSL 18th April, Captioned 19th April and Audio described with touch tour Saturday 20th (Matinee).

Tickets range from £10 – £22 and are available via the website Curve Theatre, Leicester (curveonline.co.uk) Or by phone 0116 242 3595

WARNING The play contains strong language and references to genocide, colonialism, population displacement, bodily harm, sexual violence, famine, suicide, prostitution, abduction, racism, religious violence – all in the context of the Partition of India and the legacy of Empire. Please note that the stories from this play are dramatisations of personal testimony. People may find this content triggering and distressing.