This play packed a punch. Adapted from the actual testimonies and accounts of those individuals right in the middle of this true story. How writers Helen Monks and Matt Woodhead managed to condense all the information and material I have no idea, but it worked.
The "Trojan Horse" was a local story that gained a national profile, basically making accusations that Muslim teachers and governors were plotting extremism in Birmingham schools including at (the then known) Park View School. It was a thorough and in-depth investigation by Lung Theatre developed with Leeds Playhouse and Amnesty International. Examining the context from all points of view from students, to teachers, to governors. Exposing racism, Islamophobia, and the reality of "Prevent" culture. Asking, why are British Values taught and what is it truly like to live in a multi-cultural Britain?
It's difficult to know where to start when the play covers so much in a short space of time. A lot of research underpined it. It looks at everything from the academisation of state schools to the misconceptions surrounding Islam. One of the characters quotes sentences from the Quran which support how Islam leads men to respect women. Then, there was the media representation of Muslims and analysing the impact of the harmful rhetoric that had been used. Another character, who was a teacher, found himself in a position where a whole narrative was constructed about him but he was unable to defend himself. Instead, he was defeated: forced to take ownership over a narrative which simply wasn't true. It's powerful in its honesty and revelations about political tactics and corruption. There were solid arguements.
Wooden flooring, desks and chairs (typical looking of a classroom) made up the set. Perhaps, a classroom not caught up with the 21st Century world yet? The desks moved around easily and performed as tables in different locations. A screen, somewhat resembling a blackboard, had scene titles projected on to it - in a Brechtian fashion. Often, it foreshadowed the words to be spoken by the characters. The lighting was lit from above and across to denote surveillance and augment the feeling of claustrophobia.
Important messages and themes from the play came across in the moments of direct address as the actors played their characters. It was almost like they were speaking to a jury (that being us the audience). It's because of this theatrical state that the play and the performances could afford to be politically passionate without it sounding preachy. There was no denying the eagerness and earnestness of the ensemble. One actor in particular (Qasim Mahmood) delivered an amazing monologue with complete emotional sincerity.
"Trojan Horse" was performed at a whirlwind pace by a spirited young company who have got a lot to say. In the best possible way, this was a relevant and revelatory performed political essay.
Reviewer - Sam Lowe
on - 8/10/19
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