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Vitamin D offers a poignant exploration of identity, relationships, and societal norms, leaving a lasting impact on its audience.Summary
Rating
Excellent
Vitamin D is a poignant play that follows the story of a woman moving back in with her parents while going through a divorce. She’s stumbling through life while navigating the opinions, questions, and overwhelming love from friends and family.
Amidst the chaos, Larki is on a journey to find herself and discover what she truly wants. Vitamin D delves into the complexities of relationships between women, emotional crises, British South Asian culture, and the stigma surrounding divorce.
This play evokes a range of emotions, but primarily leads to introspection. Many audience members, including myself, could see aspects of themselves reflected in the character of Larki, creating a strong sense of community among viewers. The use of her poem to narrate scene changes is a beautiful touch that ties everything together seamlessly.
The all-female cast bring a fresh perspective to the stage, highlighting the impact of female relationships on our daily lives. While the play focuses on women, the influence of unnamed men is palpable throughout, symbolising the hold of patriarchy on the characters. The generational gap is portrayed with nuance, showing the complexities of familial relationships. There is impressive use of multiple languages, including Urdu/Punjabi, which adds authenticity to the depiction of a multicultural household and prompts viewers to engage with the visual subtext of the scenes. The minimal props and moving boxes that make up the staging help add to the chaotic feeling of Larki’s life. Not only does it help the audience focus on the story being told but it also means we have to use a combination of context clues and imagination to depict where the characters are.
Saher Shah is an amazing, well-rounded actress, and having written the play as well you can see how she completely connects with the character, creating a strong performance. As Larki, she barely leaves the stage for the 70-minute run time, showing how she is constantly feeling watched since moving back home. Ambika Sharma also brings a light comedy to the seriousness playing the role of “bestie”. She is very expressive and manages to get the whole audience laughing along with her.
Vitamin D offers a poignant exploration of identity, relationships, and societal norms, leaving a lasting impact on its audience.
Written by Saher Shah
Directed by Melina Namdar
Produced by Samia Djilli and Sarah Allen
Cast: Anshula Bain, Renu Brindle, Rosaleen Burton, Zyna Goldy, Saher Shah and Ambika Sharma
Vitamin D plays at Soho Theatre until 14 September. Further information and tickets available here.
