Review: KINDLINESS, Barons Court Theatre - Voila! Theatre Festival

Photo credit: Ryan Woodcock

Kindliness is found in those who possess genuine compassion and conditional care for others. Unlike 'kindness,' which focuses on actions or behaviours, 'kindliness' delves into the inherent nature of a person. In Kindliness, written by Daniel Chaves, this human quality is examined in the context of war, revealing how extreme circumstances uncover primitive instincts and true natures. The play explores moral ambiguities, challenging the audience to consider what it means to protect one’s own in the face of survival.

The story centres on two segregated communities separated by an unnamed river. A literal attempt to bridge their divide as a gesture of peace and equality instead escalates tensions, a scenario that feels all too familiar.

Presented as part of the Voila! Theatre Festival at Barons Court Theatre, Kindliness is a timely addition to this newly expanded multi-venue festival. Established a decade ago at the Cockpit Theatre, the Voila! Theatre Festival champions emerging artists, challenging cultural and social narratives through a panlingual approach. At a time when fringe theatre faces increasing challenges, as seen with the cancellation of events like the Vault Festival, the energy behind this independent initiative is vital for London's theatre landscape.

Directed by Jenny Eastop, a 2024 Ovation Award winner and three-time Offie nominee, Kindliness is written and produced by Chaves, who also stars as Malcolm—a misguided father and husband whose love and desires spiral into darker territory. Joining the cast are: Fia Houston-Hamilton as Malcolm’s wife Amara (Hollyoaks, Coronation Street), Victoria Chen as Little Thing, the couple’s young son (As You Like It, Orange Tree Theatre), and Lucy Kean (Sweeney Todd, Shotgun Theatre Company) as Mimi Malcolm’s lover and descendent from the people of the other side of the river.

The ensemble transitions effectively from a seemingly mundane existence into a world unravelled by trauma and conflict. The play speaks directly to global tensions, questioning how identity, otherness, and survival instincts shape human behavior.

Victoria Chen is a standout as Little Thing, portraying the innocence and vulnerability of a child trying to make sense of a fractured world. Houston-Hamilton and Kean are strongest in their scenes together, exploring the complexities of female relationships amidst trauma and their primal drive to ensure survival.

Through Mimi and Amara’s characters, the play examines humanity’s inherent biases, revealing how even acts of kindness can be tainted by self-interest. In extreme circumstances, the instinct to protect "one’s own" supersedes altruism, complicating notions of moral purity.

While Chaves’ dual role as writer and performer occasionally dilutes the clarity of his portrayal, his passion for the work is evident. Kindliness has clear potential to evolve into a more polished and resonant piece.

At its core, Kindliness posits that safety, not morality, often drives human action. Betrayal between the central married couple marks a devastating turning point, unravelling trust and highlighting the fragility of relationships under pressure. The inclusion of children in these dynamics further emphasises the cyclical nature of inherited prejudice and fear, posing the question of how—and if—these patterns can ever be broken.

Stylistically, the production adopts an apocalyptic aesthetic, balancing moments of bleakness with dark humour. With its short runtime, the play accelerates from zero to 100 in intensity, sometimes at the expense of allowing the script to breathe. Certain ideas feel overwritten and could benefit from more space to develop.

However, festivals like Voila! exist precisely for this reason: to provide artists with the opportunity to refine their work in front of an audience. In this context, Kindliness is an exciting, thought-provoking piece with significant potential for further exploration.

Kindliness is an ambitious exploration of survival, morality, and the fragility of human connections in extreme circumstances. While it would benefit from further development, its thematic depth and the questions it raises make it a compelling addition to the Viola! Festival.

*** Three stars

Reviewed by: Stephanie Osztreicher

Kindliness plays at Barons Court Theatre until 22 November, with further info here.

Venues participating in the Voila! Festival include:

The Cockpit, Applecart Arts, Barons Court Theatre, Theatre Deli, The Questors Theatre – Studio, The Space Theatre, Upstairs at the Gatehouse.