An emotionally thought provoking performance about the importance of identity and voice
Amber, played by Jessica Kaur, is a 15 year old south asian girl struggling to work out what kind of woman she wants to be. Living with her non-english parents she is subjected to a life of restrictions and rules put in place by her family values. Her alcoholic father creates a tense environment for her and her mother. School gives Amber her much needed escape where she can express herself and be with her friends, David, played by Kiran Raywilliams, and Tara, played by Heather Forster. Here is where she finds freedom in her running and her desire to become a professional athlete. Run, Rebel is a journey of rebellion where Amber finds her voice inspiring her mother and sister to do the same.
The performance’s strength lies in its hope for change and optimism for more. Asha Kingsley and Simrun Kular are moving and emotional to watch as their characters overcome adversity together. When Amber shows her mother her name written in english this sparks the first stage of rebellion in Amber’s story and her mother’s desires to learn english grows. Both Amber’s mother and sister’s stories equally reflect the desire for change.There are heart warming moments between these characters which are beautiful to watch as they find their voices within an oppressive culture. It could be said that this lies at the core of the performances message. Her school friends Tara and David, bring comical relief, energy and joy as they try to support Amber through her tougher moments. Forster brings a beautiful sense of texture and innocence to the role of Tara. Her quips and quirks are aptly timed and well received as she evokes light hearted relief to Ambers life particularly when tensions are running high at home. Raywilliams plays the love interest in his professional debut and brings a great energy to the role of David. Raywilliams and Kaur’s chemistry bounces off each other capturing a sense of young love amidst teenage infatuation. Manjeet Manns writing evokes the viewer to think about domestic violence, bulling, discrimination, friendship as well as oppression and rebellion. For me its the stories and language used that are the most uplifting. The power and the problem of privilege is identified by Amber and is effectively highlighted the difference in attitudes from those who have it and those who don’t. The point made by Amber and her mother that “this is not living… this is surviving” strikes an emotive chord and enhances the powerful message for change and the discovery of identity. Amber like any teenage girl wants something to inspire her, to explore and essentially to outrun her fears.
The talented ensemble give great depth to the physical theatre moments where cleverly choreographed sequences showing the actors racing against each other and training are intense and exciting to watch. With a strong cast of 5 ensemble members aptly support and engage with Kaur’s leading performance. Jessica Kaur does a good job of taking on such a challenging role as she is on stage for the entire performance. At 2 hours and 10 minutes this truly is a challenge to behold and possibly slightly overruns as a performance. Tessa Walkers direction and use of the well designed set by Debbie Duru gives a clear sense of location and atmosphere. Projections used on the back walls strikes the right mood for each scene and minimal set props allows the performance to flow well. By having the actors play multiple roles this allows the pace to move quickly and slickly throughout.
Overall this is a compelling and interesting journey through difficult themes triggering intense emotions at a time when being a teenager amidst challenging family issues is incredibly hard. Run, Rebel is definitely worth a look so book your tickets quick and make sure you catch it before it finally runs away.