Extremism. What comes to mind when you hear that word?
Stepping into the dark, (and extremely warm) theatre, I didn’t know what to expect.
My first time watching a proper play, an independent production by Limitless Presents at the Cockpit Theatre in Marylebone.
The description alone of the play, originally written by Anders Lustgarten, on the theatre website grabs your attention:
‘One student has disappeared. Nobody knows why. Everyone has an opinion. When a classmate is removed from school under suspicion of radicalisation, a group of teenagers are left alone to make sense of what has happened. As rumours spread and tensions rise, friendships are tested and prejudices exposed.’
This play was extremely well executed, telling a grappling story in less than an hour (it needed to be much longer).
The noise of the theatre went abruptly silent as news clips were rolled about the rise in islamaphobia. In the dead quiet, the actors file out, in an extremely emotive, interpretive dance that bewilders you.
Then the play begins. It definitely knew how to keep you on your toes.
A student, Jamal, has just been taken by police after being referred to Prevent, the government’s counter-terrorism scheme, by his teacher.
We are quickly thrown into the division between the group, some defending Jamal, and others against. As the class argues over whether it was right for him to be taken away, eyes quickly turn to Suhaylah, the only Muslim girl in the class.
Then, the blame game starts. Throughout the play, we watch as the classmates slowly spiral into a dangerous narrative, claiming Suhaylah and Muslims to all be terrorists. Tensions rise, and violence ensues as the students say all they want is to feel safe.
I had a lot of thoughts after watching the show. I was confused, shocked, and found it funny at times.
The play really delves into what islamophobia and racism can look like when it is right in front of you, and how preconceived notions of a certain minority can influence a person, especially teenagers.
In a society where many voices spout anti-migrant and anti-Muslim narrative, it really makes me question what others think when they see me as a visible Muslim woman.
The play is one that really makes you think.
In the Q and A session after, the directors stressed how they merely did not want people to watch the play and leave without a second thought.
And they executed this beautifully, a testament from my friend who said she could not sleep because she had so many thoughts about the play. It was funny, emotional, and honestly I had no clue what was going to happen next.
It also explores how susceptible teens are, how your parents, teachers and classmates influence you. How the society and community around you helps a person inform their thoughts.
First written ten years ago, only one word was changed. From referencing Facebook to Instagram. Does that not show how relevant the play still is today?
It expertly navigates how fear can take over rational thought, and cause people to do extreme things, I suppose that’s why it is called ‘Extremism’.
Image credit: Iman Razak and Limitless Productions/Cockpit Theatre.
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