We were left deep in thought tonight following a powerful and deeply personal story. Field Of Anise, a debut play by Amir Amaar, concluded it’s run at the Ironworks Studio this evening with a full house and a standing ovation, and we were so pleased to have had the opportunity to be there.
The story initially takes us to Syria where two young men have a decision to make, to stay or to leave, and we are invited into the decision making process, one that involves every member of the society they live in. We are quickly informed that what is so often portrayed in the media as a simple choice is in course incredibly complex and important for the people who make it. We follow the lives of Khalid and Zayd, young men who are realising who they are as they grow up and fall in love with each other, watch them as they make their choices and face harrowing consequences. Alongside, we meet others who are caught up in the same situation, see how they are affected, learn their histories.
This is a play that focuses a lens on a different aspect of society, revealing a world into which we are not often invited. It is both shocking and moving, the reality enhanced when you discover that the actor playing Zayd is in fact the writer himself, a person who has based the play on his personal experiences.. He leads an incredibly strong cast who switch characters throughout the play, taking on a vast array of personalities and emotions. Of particular note is the pure physicality of the actors who become more torn and distraught as their worlds are broken by events beyond their control.
The sparse staging is used to immense effect, every space within the studio working to their advantage. With clever use of props and dramatic changes in lighting and sound, we were transported to pivotal moments in their lives and could see how much the characters longed for resolution.
As a debut play, this is an astonishing achievement, full of questions, memorable characters and stories we don’t hear as often as we might. We were highly impressed with the story telling, striking just the right balance between emotion and information, each detail adding depth to each character’s journey. This is a wonderful addition to Brighton Fringe, and we look forward to seeing this production achieve well deserved success elsewhere.
Cast
Amir Amaar – Zayd (Writer/Director)
Ehson Jodeyri – Khalid
Bethan Fraser – Nadia/Fouzia
Julia Peterson – Eliza Soto/Church Leader
Roco Biancardi – Victor/Interviewer
Gabriel Opera – Smuggler
