Can We Talk About This?
Silver Arts Awards - Review on DV8's Can We Talk About This (By Tamana Moushumi)
The show begins, with a lone dancer, moving in a very
unusual manner, centre stage. He begins the show, by asking the audience an
incredibly mind provoking question; ‘Do you feel morally superior to the
Taliban?’ Sitting in the stalls, I could see that less than twenty percent of
the audience raised their hands when asked.
For the next eighty minutes we are offered
multiculturalism, free speech, and basically, denotation of Islam, all through
the power of dance. This piece, performed by DV8, looked through the worst bits
of Islamic life, going back from 1985, all the way to present day. Newson
explored various Islamic events, through interviews, archive and dance. He
explored forced marriages, the murder of Dutch film maker, Theo van Gogh, The
Satanic Verses affair, Danish cartoons, ‘honour’ based killings, jihadism,
sharia laws in quite an explicit fashion, in attempt to get the initial vote of
the opening question from the remaining eighty percent.
Although the show echoed views of Prime Minister David Cameron
by projecting on a large screen, the approach was brave and controversial, as
the text that came along with it was in favour of the view that Islam was and
will always be a negative force.
The
bravery is clearly established repeatedly as the tales of those that have died
or have been threatened are recalled. The litany pretty much starts with Salman
Rushdie and moves, amongst others, through murdered Dutch filmmaker Theo Van
Gogh and the notorious Danish cartoonist who lampooned Muhammad (peace be upon
him). It continues on to remember dozens of artists and writers murdered for
their lack of faith or criticism of the religion, symbolised by gently falling
photos, before eventually reaching the present day. The stories are accompanied
by this company's trademark cross between dance, movement and physical theatre.
This is rarely less that beautiful, making me catch my breath, in amazement of
how capable these dancers were, though at times the untrained eye might
struggle to understand the direct connection between the bouncy physicality and
underlying message.
Having read the reviews on the
first night. I was unpleasantly surprised at the perception of Islam that all
of the people at the theatre received.
Personally, with having his East End base not far from Brick Lane – the
heart of Tower Hamlets’ Muslim community – I wonder what response it might
elicit from the devout-looking men and women he passes in the street.
The
highlight, at least for its audacious humour, is the tea-talk against forced
marriages of Labour politician Ann Cryer, related by a tiny performer, Joy
Constantinides as her much larger colleague, Kim-Jomi Fischer becomes
ever-changing furniture supporting her. Constantinides performs this monologue
so amazingly, that it would be safe to say that most of the audience were so
stunned by her physicality, that it was the most absorbed part of the play.
Being
a practicing Muslim, I’d say that Muslims are weakening in trying to avoid
appreciation for artistic works that they may perceive as negative or
blasphemous. This piece definitley does not shy away from criticism.
Lloyd
Newson, who has not only devised piece but directs the piece, has created a
very slick production with sinuous movement combined with carefully compiled
verbatim drama and film. Can We Talk About This? looks good, tests out the energy
and physical prowess of a highly impressive ensemble and at the same time
presents an uncompromising message.
Some
might feel that there is a lack of balance (but certainly not from the impeccably
poised performers) as the text repeatedly points up the dark side of Islam.
Others will believe that this is a pointed exposé of an unacceptable face of
Britain and the wider world today.
