Bungalow, the debut feature play of playwright Ruth D’Silva and directed by Beth Kapila, is a beautiful and heartbreaking exploration of generational trauma. We follow the story of an Anglo-Indian family, covering the complexities of their relationships and how they can crumble over time when unspoken for decades.
Performed in the intimate space of Theatre 503, you are thrust into the world of this family with brilliant set design from Caitlin Mawhinney. There is a sense of immersion for the audience instantly, almost feeling like a gentle invitation in the opening scene to walk through the door and to behold what is to come.
We meet Agatha, entering her family home to visit her mother whilst her father is absent due to illness. Lydia Bakelmun shines in her role, layering her performance with vulnerability, yet with a clear sense of confidence and drive for what she wishes to achieve from her time there. She perfectly captures the maelstrom of a woman in need of love but not wanting to show what may be deemed as weakness to her mother.
We follow Agatha through her journey of seeking understanding from her mother Bernadette, expertly portrayed by Fisun Burgess. The two women glide through scene to scene with brilliant performances, Bakelmun capturing the complexities of seeking answers which may never be given and Burgess never committing the the conversations her daughter clearly wishes to have. It is heartbreaking to watch their relationship unfold, to see Agatha so anxious about her presence in her own home and for Bernadette to never present herself to her with motherly love in the way Agatha wants.
The show is wonderfully acted by both women and the strongest moments of the play to see them shine together. We learn Agatha wishes to ‘chat’ to her mother about something particular, through the immensely engaging writing of D’Silva, I found myself completely invested in their relationship. Her writing expertly leaves crumbs for the audience and unanswered questions, creating a real sense of excitement for the upcoming scenes.
As we progress, we learn of Agatha’s brother Luke coming to stay much to Agatha’s dislike stating her mother must inform her when this is going to happen. Mikhael DeVille enters strongly as Luke, you can sense a shift in energy as his presence is known. It’s a bold and brilliant portrayal from DeVille with great choices shown, but perhaps sometimes a little rushed in energy when scenes become more heightened. Jack Bence's portrayal of Steven, Agatha's partner, is jovial and charming, bringing a relief to the stage with a lively and confident performance. Bence lights up the stage with brazen energy, allowing some comedy with great delivery if perhaps sometimes a little misplaced.
Bungalow is not a show to be missed. An electric play with immensely strong beats being hit by all involved even if some moments fall a little flat in comparison to others. Rarely does a play capture the cyclical structure of abuse with such nuance and fantastic storytelling, not to mention stellar performances from a committed cast.
Bungalow plays at Theatre 503 until 15th March.
★★★★☆ (4*)
Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Harry Elletson
Commentaires