Leeds Playhouse, Leeds – until Saturday 17 June 2023
Reviewed by Sofia Robottom
4****
Set in Tejpal’s newly renovated kitchen which she is excited to showcase as she prepares for her daughter’s surprise birthday party, this modern domestic drama has been revived by Hollyoaks’ actor Harvey Virdi, encouraging South Asian audiences to enjoy theatre performances by reflecting personal experiences and bringing representation to theatres. This emotion-filled performance demonstrates the highs and lows of family conflicts. Containing passion and comedy, a loving family guide each other through self-realisation, evoking themes of freedom and identity.
Sunita, played by Bhawna Bhawsar, first appears on stage when she arrives home early, seemingly aggravated as she leaves her dad a voicemail in hopes that he will visit her on her birthday after decades of being away. During this introduction, Sunita expertly expresses her emotions without the need for dialogue which captures the audience’s attention. While she hides away out of the shiny new kitchen, Sunita’s family frantically prepare for Sunita’s surprise birthday party despite her grouchy and unenthusiastic attitude. As an audience we feel we are eavesdropping on family gossip and throughout the play, secrets are revealed as each family member finds out what is really thought of them.
Devesh Kishore plays Nav, the sarcastically humorous brother whose wife Harleen, played by Rameet Rauli, exudes comedy with her extravagant demeanour, in an effort to relieve the awkwardness. She always manages to squeeze a laugh out of the audience, especially when she attempts to impress Sunita’s mum Tejpal, played by Divya Seth Shah, with incorrectly spoken Punjabi. Although Tejpal runs into an issue arranging the surprise party, an old friend, and an unexpected guest is called up. As the play comes to an end, the family delve into long-buried family problems which resurface as each character reflects on their own life.
Beautifully rich with South Asian culture and cuisine, this production allows us to experience the closeness of a family enjoying their customs through their music, dancing and food, with reference to Tejpal’s infamous Dhal and butter-free Roti. The Punjabi dialect brings a sense of humour and realism. The music and dancing create a lively atmosphere, brightening up the audience’s faces. As well as exploring bi-culturalism, themes of gender, age and discrimination are prevalent.
It is wonderful thing to experience a family overcoming conflict and differences and breaking free from traditional customs and rebuilding bridges. Eventually, Sunita comes to terms with her own independence and decides to take control of her own life instead of conforming, as well as accepting the idea of moving on from her past and from waiting around her whole life.
This bittersweet performance that allows individuals of many backgrounds to identify and relate to the jokes and troubles of each character, provokes laughter, sadness and self-reflection. It’s a light-hearted play that spreads an inspiring message, specifically to women of South Asian origin, urging them to spread their wings and follow their own aspirations rather than adhere to a life that has been normalised within the community.