THEATRE REVIEW: If This Is Normal - 53Two, Manchester.

 

By sheer chance, brother and sister – Madani and Maryam – move house and start at their new primary school on the same day as anxious young Amy does the same. Despite his best efforts as the newly appointed ‘man of the house’, Madani doesn’t manage to appease his sister’s nerves. In fact, it’s the guileless Alex who jumps to protect Maryam and an instant trio is formed. The development of the friends’ relationship takes up the first portion of the play, offering some lovely chances to establish their stories as children and teens – leading us inexorably to Madani and Alex’s secret romance. The youth and innocence in this part of the piece is delivered with relish through moderations of voice and beautiful physical details, which makes the awkward and shame-filled moments in the latter half all the more powerful.

Alex is much less sure of her place in the world than the intelligent, political-activist Maryam. She wonders if it is still acceptable now, to want marriage and a home. She is a romantic, innocent long after her peers. Aoife Smyth as Alex is faultless; her development from 8 to 18 clearly portrayed; her performance was enthralling. Madani, played with just the right amount of awkwardness by Isambard Rawbone, is trying hard to be a modern man. He feels the need to protect his sister and friend but with no dad at home, isn’t sure what is expected of him. Zarima McDermott plays Maryam, who is idealistic and well-informed but ultimately may be just as naïve in her own way as the other two. Her black and white views on morals and behaviour leave her stranded when Alex and Madani’s relationship lurches.

Ultimately, this is a play about sexual consent. Smyth and Rawbone excel as their inner monologues are outwardly delivered. Alex’s doubts about her own worth, her lack of sexual desire, her desire not to displease are achingly familiar. She is not, and should not try to be Maryam – but with a best friend so confident and liberated, who can she ask for support? Madani’s internet research leaves him more confused as to how to treat a woman in bed – he reaches out to his male role-model (his boxing coach) and is met with embarrassed mumbles about condoms… and against this backdrop the two of them decide to have sex for the first time.  What results is to turn everyone’s world upside down.

Writen by Lucy Danser for Chatback Theatre, she provided us with a piece of funny and emotional theatre that nevertheless asks the vital and thorny questions about sexual consent, communication and expectations. In turn, I felt sorry for all three characters as they tried to find their way through the mire of anger, disappointment and sadness that cloaked the final moments of the play. Their personal truths were sad to hear and knowing their real thoughts made watching them try to communicate with each other much the harder.

Eloquently directed by Helena Jackson, who made the most effective use of 3 simple chairs I’ve seen in a long time, this was a thought-provoking piece of theatre. Its power came from its simplicity and its raw truth. These are not complicated, convoluted characters and are so subtly drawn by the actors and director. These are people we all know; they are people we all are or have been in our time. Many audience members will surely have their memories and emotions left a little tender by this play. Don’t let that stop you booking a ticket though – this was marvellous!

Reviewer - Justine Sutcliffe
on - 27.4.22