Two schoolfriends, Ruqaya and Sabi, meet influencer and writing group ambassador Xara, who is new to their school. After the girls attend a workshop together and Xara breaks proper practice, she and Ruqaya make a video denouncing the charity and the library where the workshop was held. It is then that the girls find themselves in hot water, and soon discover someone has reported them for their video, and they have been referred to the Prevent Scheme.
This play had quite a bit of exposition to get through at the start, which meant it took a little while to get going and to mention the main point of the plot, which is the Prevent Scheme itself. But once it got there and the social media video had been made, things moved very quickly. Seeing the rate at which the story, and by extension the consequences for the characters, increased in both intensity and depth was incredibly sobering, especially when sections of the Prevent Scheme criteria are read out verbatim. Applying them to the story you are witnessing does an incredible job at showcasing the particular issues the production aims to raise.
Whilst the plot itself was very heavy and non-continuous at many points, sometimes affecting understanding of the story, many of the technical elements of this production were a joy to see. The set was used very well, with spinning panels allowing wipeboard sections to be hidden and revealed periodically, and the sound design blended very well both with the actors’ abilities and the overall dynamic, which was instrumental in drawing you in. The lighting design was unique but didn’t always feel appropriate for the atmosphere the production was trying to communicate, which contributed to an overall stop-start feeling from the play.
The cast of Liberation Squares was made up by three actresses who each played their roles very well. My stand-out of the trio was Halema Hussein, who played influencer Xara. Her characterisation and mannerisms was the epitome of ‘that influencer’ who we all know can rub us the wrong way sometimes, yet every action she took and every word she said resonated with the powerful young activist being cultivated in the story, to give a convincing and very entertaining performance.
Both Vaneeka Dahdria and Asha Hassan, who played best friends Ruqaya and Sabi respectively, gave good performances, with their chemistry the clearest factor on display. You can see their bond with each other, and how this changes when it becomes strained, very well, which really contributes to the communication of this story.
Liberation Squares was a good show that put out a clear message about Prevent and the dangers such a scheme can be used to usher in. Whilst this came through loud and clear, several other elements left this production half-baked in some areas. With a little more development, from tightening up some of the technical elements to cutting some of the establishing exposition at the beginning, I think this show will appeal to many, particularly younger generations.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Liberation Squares is playing at the Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse until May 29th, & touring the U.K.
