Review: PASSING, Park Theatre London
Culture is something of a chocolate box insofar that we can take what we want and leave behind anything less appealing. But what happens when two cultures are joined by inter-racial marriage. Do the children embrace their heritage equally or favour one over the other? Such dilemma lies at the heart of this challenging play by Dan Sareen.
Rachel Singh (Amy-Leigh Hickman) is nervously preparing for Diwali. She constantly re-arranges the lights and wrestles with a sari. The Singhs have never celebrated Diwali before. Her father Yash (Bhasker Patel) abandoned his culture many years ago. The need to integrate and find acceptance was much greater than any sense of comfort he might otherwise find. Mother Ruth (Catherine Cusack) fusses around in an attempt to keep everyone happy. Brother David (Kishore Walker) has an air of quiet resignation as the day unfolds. Rachel's boyfriend Matt (Jack Flammiger) tries to act as the honest broker but could be buried as family tensions begin to boil over.
Passing is a highly intelligent study of what it means to be different. Rachel is anxious to discover her father's heritage but is angered by his indifference and need to be more British. The clash of cultures is well represented and asks a pertinent question. Can cultures co-exist amidst the dynamics common to all families? The most telling passage is when the family sit down to play a game of Cluedo. At that point, they became a typical family; squabbling about the rules, making alliances and flipping the board when things don't go well. This scene stands out because it puts the cultural argument into sharper perspective; underneath it all we're human and this scene could be played out in every culture across the world. It will have particular resonance for those with dual heritage and for anyone who has experienced the rough and tumble of family life.
The only real drawback is the play's running time. Two hours and twenty minutes (including the interval) is excessive if that time isn't being used to move the story forward. It tends to restate the same point, especially when Rachel speaks of her experience at school. It makes the narrative stand still and adds padding with no real value. That quibble aside an excellent cast act their socks off, exuding charm and likeability. It sums up life; a series of dramas broken down by moments of light relief!
*** Three stars
Reviewed by: Brian Penn
Passing runs at the Park Theatre until 25 November, with further information here.