Providers
Ambreen Razia
Directed by Esther Baker
Synergy Theatre Project
Brixton House Studio 2
Star rating: 4
This strongly cast, perceptively written play is moving, entertaining – and as relevant to our troubled times as it could possibly be.
Two pairs of south London siblings are each grappling with problems of money (the cost of living crisis) and the absence of parents. Who is responsible for whom and for what under these circumstances? We see Christa and Mia at home, having not told anyone in authority that their mother has died. In parallel are Yusuf and Saleem whose parents have gone “home” to Pakistan and left Yusuf in charge. Christa has serious mental health problems and Mia, still at school, struggles to cope. Saleem is the same age as Mia and they are drawn to each other. Meanwhile Yusuf is not simply a vape shop owner. The 60 minute piece is shot through with issues, decision points and foreseeable disaster borne of the need for money – although it ends on a hopeful note.
Sunjay Midda is outstanding as Yusuf, variously angry, wheedling, violent, caring, unscrupulous but trying, in his own way, to hang on to family values. His is a very complex character who somehow needs to keep his brother and send money to his parents so the vape shop isn’t enough. Midda also doubles – good voice work – as a teacher.
There is a fine performance from Aamira Challenger as Christa, a character which develops and eventually finds some strength. She too doubles, rather effectively, as a teacher. Adil Hassan is pleasing as Saleem, finding all the right boyishness and enthusiasm replaced by fear when he gets out of his depth. And Daniella Henry is interesting as Mia. She is very good at puzzled determination and anxiety.
Synergy Theatre Project uses theatre to transform lives and works across the criminal justice system: with prisoners, ex-prisoners, young offenders and at-risk young people. Providers has toured to schools, prisons and institutions as well as performing to school parties at Brixton House.
The cast for Providers comprises three professional actors and one who has worked with the director, Esther Baker, on projects while in prison. As she told the audience in the Q/A which followed the performance, Danielle Henry was released from prison just six weeks ago after serving four and a half years. She then came straight into this paid job – her first professional role. This is very inspiring and one hopes fervently that she gets more work soon and that every young audience member takes away the vital message that, challenging as life is, there are always choices and people who will try to help.
