This lean multi-generational household drama explores methods of mothering, and the emotional punch, when it comes, is nicely definitely worth the wait even when there are a couple of bumps alongside the way in which.
Three generations of British Asian girls make up the working-class household in Ambreen Razia’s play: a prodigal daughter, of kinds, in Aleena (Avita Jay), who returns dwelling after a two-year stint behind bars to her doting daughter, Leila (Ashna Rabheru), and a quietly judgmental mom, Noor (Renu Brindle).
A Clear Break co-production, its tender dissection of motherhood intersects with class, immigrant life, habit and religion, alongside the emotional results of incarceration. Aleena was an alcoholic earlier than jail life turned her right into a clean-living yogi, or so she claims. Noor has been elevating her granddaughter, Leila, as a practising Muslim however Aleena discourages her daughter from carrying a hijab, and from Islam as an entire. That is one ongoing battle performed out between the older mom and daughter however different animosities swim underneath the floor, maybe unstated for somewhat too lengthy.
Co-directed by Róisín McBrinn and Sophie Dillon Moniram, it has a slow-burn begin, generally seeming an excessive amount of like a kitchen-sink drama (there may be, in truth, a kitchen sink on stage as a part of Liz Whitbread’s set).
There are additionally a couple of sudden shifts in tone, together with a scene during which the lounge turns right into a magnificence salon and Aleena magically tends to Leila’s each want. Perhaps it's a fantasy or a flash of magical realism – it's by no means defined. The character of Fozia (Rina Fatania), an interfering outdated buddy of the household, looks like a flat comedian cliche invading this delicate and critical drama.
However probably the most highly effective materials rises above these parts because the play progresses and builds to a potent finish. Razia’s script does a positive job of building the sophisticated layers within the relationships between moms, daughters and grandmothers.
The forged give robust performances too: Rabheru brings anxious innocence to her teenage daughter caught between two clashing mom figures, whereas Jay makes for a convincingly charismatic but fragile mom (with a surprisingly robust singing voice) and Brindle is an equal power towards her daughter’s flightiness.
The lies, subterfuge and betrayals between them are withheld for fairly a while and result in confusion at factors, however the script makes up for this in its masterful characterisations. Aleena is each a loyal mom and unreliable addict. Noor is a controlling grandmother and a protector. Nobody is just proper or incorrect, sufferer or aggressor; they're each flawed however their pained love is evident, and extremely transferring, to see.
At Bush theatre, London till 6 August.
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