In a week when Keir Starmer cautioned that unchecked immigration could turn Britain into a “strange island,” a new play highlights the voices of British Iraqi refugees alongside those who identify as “crazy.” Laith Elzubaidi’s autobiographical work doesn’t suggest that immigrants or asylum seekers are alienating society; rather, it delves into their silent struggles and their potential impact on future generations.
Tommy Simarn, portraying Reiss, shares the early experiences of Shia Muslim parents who escaped Saddam Hussein’s regime, burying the traumas of their past while adjusting to life in Wembley, northwest London.
The play politically frames the saying, “We’re here because you were there.” It underscores that Reiss’ parents are in the UK due to the country’s involvement in Iraq, particularly during the 2003 invasion, which is showcased on screens scattered throughout the set designed by Liam Vanster. This wasn’t the UK’s first occupation of Iraq—it dates back to 1914, as Reiss points out.
Notably, the predominant emotion in the play is humor rather than anger. Directed by Emily Lynn Williams, the production unfolds as a vibrant monologue, drawing from stand-up comedy elements. Shim Aan serves as the jovial narrator, embodying his Arab parents’ quirks, while a mother character, donned in formal attire amidst a health crisis, humorously offers a paramedic tea and recommends a therapist trained by the CIA for OCD issues.
Yet under the lively atmosphere, the play confronts trauma head-on. It navigates the psyche’s damage, gradually shifting toward themes of healing. A subplot about Reiss’ first romance veers into absurdity, accompanied by various political undercurrents and a coming-of-age narrative that eventually solidifies its relevance. The concluding scene, featuring Tia Gelker, resonates with warmth and authenticity, maintaining a lighthearted tone reminiscent of a stand-up show.
This performance is worth seeing. It serves as a reminder that immigrants arriving on our shores often carry vulnerabilities rather than being seen only as tragic figures; they too are striving to find their footing in new homes.
