Review: THE EMPRESS, Swan Theatre - RSC
Photo credit: Ellie Kurttz
This charming production of The Empress is absolutely flawless.
A beautiful tale of entwined travellers and adventurers from Imperial India, seeking their fortune, following their hopes and dreams in 1880’s London at the heart of the British Empire. Heart-wrenching yet heart-lifting tales filled with humour, humility and wit. It is a hugely important story embracing Indian culture, expertly directed by Pooja Ghai.
This is the second time that The Empress has wowed its audiences, now a decade later at the newly renovated Swan Theatre.
The plot unfolds like a fairytale set on a voyage from India to London in the year of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. We follow the turbulent experiences of the beautiful and innocent 16- year-old Rani (Tanya Katyal), an Indian ‘Ayah’ who meets an array of characters on board with a sailor (Aaron Gill), politician (Simon Rivers) and a royal servant (Raj Bajaj), all with high hopes of finding a new life in London - the centre of the British Empire. Rani is soon awakened from her dream when she is unceremoniously ditched on arrival by her unscrupulous mistress, now having to make her own way in the world.
A true story of a passenger on the same ship is regal man-servant ‘the Munshi’, Abdul Karim, bearing a gift, a treasured bejewelled box of spices that thrills Queen Victoria (Alexandra Gilbreath) and soon captivates and enchants her and the audiences’ hearts with his exquisite passionate descriptions of the Taj Mahal, the sounds and tastes of his magical homeland and his strict upbringing. As the relationship grows, so does the disapproval and condemnation from the royal household.
The play includes themes of racism, power, monarchy, friendship and love. A brilliant depiction of an Imperial nation at its height and its effects on innocent lives striving to build a nation.
Rosa Maggiora’s sets are a masterful stroke of ingenuity; the triumphantly lit arch representing the domination of the world, the dark dingy underworld contrasting with the rich regalia. The soundscape of the Indian music by Ben and Max Ringham adds vibrance that transports the audience back to the Indian homeland and its heritage.
Tanya Katyal gives an outstanding performance as Rani. She demonstrates superb character development from her portrayal as an awkward, naive and excitable young girl longing to return to India, to a mature, educated and confident woman, proud to call London her home. Aaron Gill charms the audience with his sweetness, imperfections and adoration for Rani as lovable Hari. Katyal and Gill’s connection portrays a magical heartwarming love story.
Alexandra Gilbreath is truly magnificent as Queen Victoria, adding humanity and grace to her performance as the monarch with a lightness of touch, humour and kindness towards Abdul Karim while presenting herself elegantly and majestically as a Royal. Raj Bajaj playing the Queen’s fond companion is arrogant and outspoken yet good-natured. There is great chemistry between the characters, as Queen Victoria adores and embraces Indian culture. It culminates in a breathtaking scene when Karim arranges for ‘India to come to the Queen’ as she nears the end of her life and is swept up in the magic with dancing, food, costumes and culture.
Simon Rivers plays the first Indian Politician, Dadabhai Raoroji, as he forms a loyal partnership with Rani, fighting to support his beleaguered countrymen both at home and abroad that helped to make Britain great.
Their optimistic adage ‘you cannot change the direction of the wind but you can alter the sail’ epitomises their hopes for the future.
It is definitely worth taking a voyage to see this sensational production of The Empress and its spectacular cast! It leaves you enchanted, inspired by the Queen and audience alike .. yearning for more!
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Marina Holmes Smith
The Empress plays in rep at the RSC’s Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon until 18 November. The show also plays at the London’s Lyric Hammersmith Theatre between 4-28 October. For further information, please click here.