Pros: A fast-paced and thought-provoking piece of theatre. The script zings and the acting is bursting with energy, love and humanity.
Cons: None
[review]
Angel is set in Syria in 2014 and follows the story of Rehana – the Angel of Kobane. Little is known about Rehana but she is said to have been a young woman training to become a lawyer who became a crack-shot sniper after ISIS took control of her country.
The play explores the role that women have played in the fight against ISIS, the terrible crimes committed against them and the incredible sacrifices they have made for both freedom and family.
The clever script zings as fast as machine gun fire taking you on a whirlwind journey with the indomitable Rehana. We follow her as she moves from a life of innocence and hope on her family farm in pre-war Syria, through life-changing events which lead her to become a hardened killer, avenging the atrocities that ISIS have committed in her country.
Despite the seriousness of the subject, the writer Henry Naylor has injected the script with some moments of comedy and Rehana’s streak of defiance which is never broken, even at the bitter end, which makes the play eminently watchable and allows you to leave the theatre with hope in your heart.
Avital Lvova was simply incredible as Rehana (and all the other characters too). It was one of the most physical performances I’ve ever seen. She exploded with energy throughout the whole hour, literally throwing herself across the stage at some points to show the violence of the situations Rehana finds herself in.
The staging was minimal. Just a barrel in the centre of a bare stage. But Lvova didn’t need any props as she is a master of mime bringing everything vividly to life from shooting sniper rifles to climbing trees to riding in jeeps bumping across the desert. Lighting was simple, but very effective, spotlights bringing attention at crucial moments, and a blackout to shock at the end.
This play was already highly critically acclaimed during a run in Edinburgh in 2016 and it’s clear to see why. A real must see and tickets are reasonable. Get down there and see it whilst you still can!
Written and produced by: Henry Naylor
Director: Michael Cabot
Box Office: 0207 5031646
Booking Link: https://www.arcolatheatre.com/event/angel/
Booking until: 7 October 2017
