Review: ENGLISH, Kiln Theatre
Photo credit: Richard Davenport
English, the critically acclaimed, Pulitzer Prize-winning play, has opened in London after its European premiere at the Royal Shakespeare Company’s The Other Place in Stratford-upon-Avon. Presented in association with Kiln Theatre, English is like a grown-up version of The Breakfast Club but for those who speak English as a second language or have experienced what it truly feels trying to express themselves in a foreign language have.
In a TOFEL classroom in Iran, four adult students struggle with learning English. As Marian (Nadia Albina) guides them, each of them reveals a unique relationship with culture, language, and identity. Goli (Sara Hazemi), the wide-eyed youngest student in class who has the world ahead of her after the exam. Roya (Lanna Joffery), a grandmother, tries to connect with her family through learning English. Omid (Nojan Khazai) has his own agenda for being in the class, and Elham (Serena Manteghi), a medical student, needs to pass her exam to study abroad. As they search for the right words to express themselves, they realise that language encompasses far more than just vocabulary.
Iranian-American playwright Sanaz Toossi's writing is clever and engaging, infusing thought provoking themes with warmth. The play explores identity crises, accent shaming, linguistic imperialism, and much more, raising important questions about cultural identity, ironically, for an English-speaking audience.
The play establishes the “rules” of its world very clearly at the beginning. Switching between accents indicates speaking in a native tongue or a foreign language and how different it feels in your mouth and brain. Director Diyan Zora’s focus on ensemble-building shines through, and the play maintains a neat and playful pace.
Albina’s nuanced and deeply moving performance captures the struggle of self-acceptance, bringing the audience to tears, and Hazemi delights us with her innocence and exuberance. Joffery's freedom on stage brings the audience along with her on a character journey, with Khazai truly making a successful and charming professional debut. Serena Manteghi’s performance is electric and lovable, making the audience root for her flawed character.
Anisha Fields’ realistic and familiar set design allows the audience to focus on the characters. Little distils like the reflection of the TV screens on windows are pockets of joy to discover. Lighting design by Elliot Griggs brings warmth to the production, and as the sunlight shines through the window, it’s as if we’re given hopes for the future.
English is a relatable piece that speaks not only to those learning a new language but also to anyone who struggles to express their feelings or understand their true emotions. No matter what language one speaks or which culture one grew up in, the yearning for closeness and understanding is universal. Perhaps, in moments when we cannot understand the language spoken (like the play's final scene), is when we will finally truly listen.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Diana Feng
English plays at the Kiln Theatre until 29 June, with further info here.
