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London Review
London ReviewBaghdad Wedding
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In Iraq, a wedding is not a wedding unless shots are fired. It's like in England where a wedding is not a wedding unless someone pukes or tries to fuck one of the bridesmaids. That's just the way it goes.— Marwan
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Matt Rawle as Salim
(Photo: Simon Kane) |
The play follows three friends who meet while studying at university in London, and then as they return to their homeland, now wracked by war. They are young, wealthy, well-educated and cosmopolitan. Salim (Matt Rawle) is an extrovert, daringly controversial novelist, who decides to go back to Baghdad to get married. Marwan (Nitzan Sharron) is Salim's best friend. He is shy, unassuming and acts as the play's narrator. Luma (Sirine Saba) is a medical student, equally dazzled by Salim's brilliance. When disaster strikes on Salim's wedding day, the scenes shift between cities and memories, encompassing student parties, a base of Iraqi insurgents and American torturous interrogation.
Swift, fluid scene changes add a sense of pace to the play and the characters energetically navigate the angled, crumbled slab of stone which dominates the stage. The cast are well-chosen and in particular, Matt Rawle's charisma and stage confidence makes him perfect for the role of Salim. Nitzan Sharron also adds sterling support as the character who holds the play's fabric together.
There are some unmistakable signs that this is a first play. At times it feels that the plot lacks an overall coherence and the odd line jars. Nevertheless, Hassan Abdulrazzak is obviously a playwright of promise. His play does not really provide any original political comment, but Abdulrazak's focus is in providing us with a very human perspective. His insight into a certain section of Iraqi society, the liberal-minded intelligentsia, is unique. Similarly, there is rare, poignant sense of loss for Baghdad's irreplaceable beauty, as well as the finely-tuned nostalgia alternating with hope for a damaged homeland.
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BAGHDAD WEDDING
Written by Hassan Abdulrazzak Directed by Lisa Goldman Starring: Matt Rawle, Nitzan Sharron With: Sirine Saba, Silas Carson, Emilio Doorgasingh, Annie Hemingway, Cosh Omar, Daniel Hart Design: Jon Bausor Lighting: Jenny Kagan Sound: Matt McKenzie Composer: Keith Clouston Running time: One hour 45 minutes with no interval Box Office: 0870 429 6883 Booking to 21st July 2007 Reviewed by Charlotte Loveridge based on 4th July 2007 performance at Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, London, WC1D 3NE (Tube: Tottenham Court Road) |
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