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Santi and Naz

 
Rebecca Vines Review by Rebecca Vines 4 Published: 10 Aug 2023 Pleasance Courtyard Show Dates: 2 Aug 2023-28 Aug 2023

Best friends Santi and Naz live in pre-partition India. One of them is Sikh, one is Muslim, and they both give each other Diwali gifts. In their little world, they see only the beauty of other people, not their differences. A beauty destined to be eroded by the twin hazards of tradition and progression.

Vital and utterly charming

There is a real artistry in Guleraana Mir's script which is constructed with poetry and authenticity. The shadow of British rule is far away, and neither is the question of how freeing liberty may actually prove to be as the country is carved up and old affinities fractured. Introducing us to major players such as Gandhi and Mountbatten through the eyes of children invites a different sort of connection with the law makers: they may have the power, but to millions of people, they are little more than a funny pair of glasses or a clipped accent who have no idea about the lives of those they are representing.

The piece is a something of a slow burn, but this only adds to our involvement in the story. We really care about happens to the girls and their families, and whether the cruelty of division will allow them to live their own lives… or those dictated by familial pressure and legislative fact. So, although the historical context is an integral piece of the story in its own right; the juxtaposition of personal and political is something we can all engage with.

Rose-Marie Christian and Karendip Phull (known as @TheThelmas) have a wonderful onstage chemistry which allows them to portray Santi and Naz with sincerity and sensitivity at a range of ages. Their performances of these two contrasting personalities are vital and utterly charming, leading us through their awakening with a softness and immediacy which is entirely unforced and makes us want to wrap them both in a big hug.

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The Blurb:

Best friends Santi and Naz live in pre-partition India. One Sikh, one Muslim, they have little understanding of how religion will divide them. As the political situation in their country worsens and the threat of separation looms large on the horizon, they decide to take drastic action. Award-winning company The Thelmas explore queer love, identity and loyalty, set against the backdrop of a country soon to be changed forever. Winner of the Pleasance's Charlie Hartill Fund. Praise for Ladykiller (2018): 'A smash hit' ***** (BroadwayBaby.com). 'Superb' **** (Scotsman).