An effective statement about refugees and society’s views towards migrants, which benefits from the precise beauty of the lighting and sound design.Summary
Rating
Good
Three tourists arrive at the Greek island of Zandros for the perfect holiday destination, but when a refugee crisis causes them to question their own morals, what do they do?
What is the first thought when the phrase “holiday destination” is presented? Perhaps a place with beautiful, sandy beaches, clear blue water, and evenings filled with incredible sunsets. Such a place is the ideal holiday for Emma (Milly Walters), Sandra (Maggie Daniels) and Bill (Jan van der Black) when they book a trip to the serene Greek island of Zandros. But, upon arrival, they quickly realise that their relaxing island getaway is not all that it seemed when they discover that they are right in the middle of a refugee crisis.
When the trio first arrive at Zandros, they are met by their guide Elena (Marissia Petropoulou), who delivers the perfect sales pitch about Zandros, making the island sound like a glorious paradise as she reads in a robotic format from the itinerary book. She discusses things to do, such as relaxing on the beach and strolling through town, along with shopping and dining at local areas. However, when confronted about the refugees, Elena does her best to avoid the subject all together. It isn’t until Emma meets the refugee Jusef (Jerome Kennedy) that things begin to get complicated, and all three tourists are forced to take a hard look at themselves and the way they view the world.
Writer and producer Marcia Kelson has carefully composed a play that questions the activism of humans regarding other humans who are suffering. When it comes to refugees, are you an “Emma”: actively taking part in whatever you can to ensure that migrants are treated fairly, effectively and efficiently? Or are you a “Bill”: passionately against any type of immigration, with the idea of immigrants making you angry and irritated? Or are you a passive “Sandra”: giving quietly, but eager not to bother anyone? When the characters are confronted with questions of morality, the audience too is forced to look at their own opinions regarding immigration. There are moments when seemed to ramble for an extended period, this is mitigated by the overall story. With a run time of almost two hours, there’s certainly room to make some cuts.
The lighting and set design play a crucial role in Birds of Passage. When the light fades, the characters are forced to look at their morals, and when the light is focused on one character, that person is faced with a crossroad decision to make. Director Penny Gkritzapi places the characters in lighting with such precision that one cannot help but marvel at the sheer beauty of the scene. For instance, when Emma and Jusef are having a late-night picnic on the beach, it is easy to forget that the scene is on a stage in a theatre in Southwest London. A beach on Zandros is right there as the two are almost painted by the soft blue lighting that surrounds them. This draws the attention from the audience closer to them.
The show’s aim is to make a statement about refugees and society’s views towards migrants and immigrants. It is something that is successfully achieved.
Written and produced by: Marcia Kelson
Directed by: Penny Gkritzapi
Birds of Passage plays at Drayton Arms Theatre until Saturday 15 March.
