Bringing taboo topics to light, perpetrators of harm to shame, and a voice to all those hidden in the shadows
Sex. Politics. Money. Religion. These are the hot topics and yet taboo, all of us eager to delve into them and yet forced to do it in silence. We must not mess up the socially acceptable image we’ve fabricated for ourselves, so we must hide our connections with these four topics “under the table”. Writer and co-director Aaron Thakar refuses to do that. Showcasing fresh, exciting explorations of these subjects, Under the Table is a play that is both confrontational and cathartic. We feel seen, and we are forced to look at ourselves. This show is a masterpiece, for sure!
Each topic is presented in “chapters”, all individual vignettes that are linked together by an unseen voice-over. There isn’t a single weak link in this play; every element of Under the Table, in particular the script and acting, is absolute perfection!
The best vignette, in my opinion, is “Chapter 2: Politics” – don’t we all enjoy nothing more than seeing someone audacious enough to give a massive ‘screw you’ to Conservative Party politicians? Demi Idowu, portraying Khalil, a young black man living alone in a council estate, highlights Khalil’s passion and fury with immense prowess. Reminding us of painful real-life events such as Brexit, the pandemic, and the national cost of living crisis, Idowu keeps the audience enrapt with the commanding power of his voice. Khalil is brave, compelling, a joy to watch.
Under the Table’s sound design is particularly effective, very much worthy of praise. There are moments where the stage will be empty, perhaps even the lights will be switched off. We’ll sit in our seats and stare ahead, or down at our restless hands, listening to the voices of the actors. These moments are intriguing, even chilling at times. It is a testament to the brilliance of each performer, raising the hairs on the back of our necks even when they are unseen! And it also adds to the defiant sentiment of Under the Table; though there are people in this world who society considers invisible, their existence permeates every aspect of our lives. They deserve to be seen and heard, as does this brilliant play!
Thakar displays a capability of writing great social commentary – situations that are relatable enough for us to identify ourselves within, and yet original and dramatic enough for us to sit back and enjoy. He triumphs with Under the Table, and here’s hoping it leads him to even greater success in the future!
“Kick me under the table all you want, I won’t shut up…” – Fiona Apple, Under the Table