Emteaz Hussain’s ‘Expendable’ bravely tackles the harrowing realities of fear, misogyny, and the fractures within communities targeted by media and public hysteria. Inspired by the devastating fallout from child-grooming scandals in the North of England, the play presents a gripping exploration of these themes through the lens of one British-Pakistani family.
The story unfolds entirely within the intimate confines of a kitchen-diner, meticulously designed by Natasha Jenkins. The set is more than a backdrop, it’s a character in itself, immersing the audience in domestic chaos with its scents of chopped onions, cooking pizza and antiseptic, and the hum of boiling kettles. Immersing the audience on both sensory and emotional level, this setting reinforces the play’s focus on a very private turmoil against a backdrop of public upheaval, with external conflicts violently infiltrating the family’s fragile sanctuary, whilst the world looks on.
At the heart of ‘Expendable’ is the dynamic between two estranged sisters. Lena Kaur delivers a standout performance as Yasmin, a fiery and independent spirit confronting the suffocating constraints of her cultural upbringing. Her sharp wit and visible defiance create a fascinating counterpoint to Avita Jay’s portrayal of Zara, a woman crumbling under the weight of fear and shame after her son Raheel is falsely implicated in a grooming gang. Jay’s performance captures Zara’s palpable anxiety, painting her as a mother desperate to shield her family but paralyzed by societal judgment.
The supporting cast also deserves lots of praise. Gurjeet Singh as Raheel exudes a haunting, ghostlike presence, embodying the confusion and anger of a young man, falsely accused and vilified without evidence. Humera Syed as Zara’s daughter Sofia radiates the restless energy of youthful activism, though her character at times feels underdeveloped. Maya Bartley O’Dea, as a victim seeking reconciliation, delivers a gentle and poignant performance, even as her character’s limited stage time leaves her story feeling truncated.
Directed by Esther Richardson, the play brims with nervous energy, maintaining an unrelenting tension throughout its 85 minutes, making it impossible for the audience to look away from the stage. This intensity drives the drama, and Hussain’s beautiful script touches on a plethora of issues including Islamophobia, internalized misogyny, homophobia, and intergenerational trauma, demonstrating the deep complexity of the real-life challenges families often face when dealing with hardship.
While ‘Expendable’ doesn’t fully unpack its weighty themes, it is a bold and thought-provoking piece that resonates deeply. The play’s greatest strength lies in its depiction of fractured familial bonds and the unspoken love that persists despite conflict. As Yasmin and Zara navigate their strained relationship, their tentative steps toward reconciliation offer glimmers of hope amidst the darkness.
‘Expendable’ runs at the Royal Court Theatre until December 21st and is highly recommended. Tickets are available here: https://royalcourttheatre.com
Reviewer: Alan Stuart Malin
Reviewed: 2nd December 2024
North West End UK Rating: