‘Once We Were Kings’ is a new theatrical offering from Third Culture Kids is an exploration of life being Muslim, queer and how these identities intersect with modern Australia.
The show features a series of vignettes of characters sharing their personal stories about family, identity, love and culture. Much of the show is made up of monologues, with the cast of three playing a series of different characters with different experiences.
Dressed in theatre blacks and occasionally adorning extra elements of costume, the cast tell these stories with the aid of symbolic props such as pomegranates, chalk and prayer mats, and the design work of WAAPA-trained artists Devon Lovelady on lighting design, sound designer Thomas Moore and filmmaker Lincoln Russell providing visual projections.
It is clear watching the show that its writer Dure Khan is a poet, the language is very lyrical and there are metaphors abound. The cast, Solayman Belmihoub, Angela Mahlatjie and Naomi Denny are all passionate and earnest as they bring each character to life.
The production finds strength in its visually appealing projections and lighting and its moments of frankness. “How was I supposed to know what a lesbian crush was?” once character muses. “We did not have Google.” It is these humorous glimpses into lives tarnished by repression and shame that are the most engaging moments of the play. At times, the struggle of reconciling religion, sexuality and culture are stark, such as when one character faces rejection coming out to his loved ones only to have a stranger hurl a racist slur at him a moment later.
Some of the vignettes were stronger than others, and in some moments the motivation and circumstances of the characters were unclear. This is unfortunate given the intensity the ensemble gave to its subject matter.
The show is also accompanied by an international art exhibition, which provides an engaging introduction to the space as the audience walk in to the theatre.
‘Once We Were Kings’ is on at The Blue Room Theatre until May 29th. Tickets available from www.blueroom.org.au
Sophie Joske
