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Set against the backdrop of working class Britain during the early
70s, East is East portrays the difficulties faced by Pakistani Muslim
George Khan (played by Marc Anwar), his British wife Ella (Janys
Chambers) and their six children, as they each attempt to establish
and understand their cultural identities and loyalties.
We're taken to the Khan family's Salford home in an opening scene
not dissimilar to the beginning of The Simpsons; the various members
of an apparently chaotic family race about the set before awkwardly
squeezing themselves onto a sofa, where they pose for a portrait
photograph. But this fleeting moment of order and harmony, captured
in the blink of the camera's eye, isn't to last…
As the huge, skewed picture frame surrounding the back of the set
suggests, what we're getting is the story of disorder and tension
that belies the family portrait. We watch as George attempts to
impose Pakistani and Muslim traditions on his increasingly independent
and rebellious children, while his wife does everything she can
to support her off-spring without undermining him. And in one of
many poignant moments in the play, we witness George's wrath when
he finally cracks and violently attacks his wife.
The play's darker side is offset by an equal measure of well-delivered
humour. From Tariq's suggestion that his sister Meenah cover up
the smell of the bacon they've secretly been eating by chucking
about some curry powder, to the youngest son, Sajit's proclamation
that his brother has created "a woman's fanny in a box"
at art school, there's always a line to buoy you up from the depths.
Undoubtedly the funniest character in the play, however, is Auntie
Annie (expertly played by Sarah Parks), whose unintentionally comical
observations - "Funeral's on Friday. They're having salmon"
- provide a steady supply of laughs for the audience.
The overall performance did at times seem a little rough around
the edges, though I suspect this was largely due to the fact that
Ernest Ignatius, who plays central character George, was replaced
at the last minute due to 'unforeseen circumstances'. Nevertheless,
the combination of a clever script, a well-designed set, and a talented
cast captured my attention for the duration. And the inclusion of
the script in the programme was a nice touch!
Katy Wright
Performance
details
Dates: 23rd Sept - 8th Oct 2005
Tickets:
£8.50 to £18.00, with tickets for schools at £3.50.
Box Office: 01904 623568.
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