Run, Rebel – Theatre Peckham

Run, Rebel is a heart-thumping tale, a visceral plunge into the complex reality of being a second-generation immigrant in the UK. It is a story that resonates with an audience familiar with the delicate balance between two worlds, especially those who have felt the penetrating gaze of watchful aunties, clutching their Lidl bags with an unspoken authority, ready to report where you’ve been and who you’re with. Something all too familiar.

The star of the show, Jessica Kaur, who played Amber, delivered a commanding performance that truly set her apart. She infused her lines with a palpable energy, an emotional depth that made her a powerful presence on stage. She was a star, a brilliant axis around which the entire story spun.

The story itself was laced with heart and grit. It spoke to not only the immigrant experience but also the struggles of youth, identity, and rebellion. One particularly engaging aspect was the use of multimedia elements, like the screens. Their role in the storytelling was nothing short of captivating. The moment when Surinder was learning to read the alphabet, with each letter illuminated on the screen, added a striking layer to her journey of self-discovery. The scene where the rosebud plant was being cut also stood out; its delicate trimming mirrored on the screen, creating a seamless blend between stagecraft and projection. Such details were woven throughout the play, small but significant, like the duck taped shoe—a symbol of the struggle, patched up and resilient.

Another striking creative choice was the use of the four microphones placed at the corners of the stage. When these microphones amplified the voices in Amber’s head, creating an almost claustrophobic echo of her inner world, it was an inspired decision. They transformed into the voices of her teachers, friends, and parents—each distinct, each vital to the story’s rhythm. It added an extra layer of immersion, pulling the audience into Amber’s chaotic mindscape.

The set design was another triumph. Its sloped stage was a brilliant touch, particularly for the scenes of running, a powerful metaphor that coursed through the play. The incline added tension, especially during the scene where Amber’s father drunkenly stumbled on Christmas. His collapse on the sloped surface heightened the drama, making it feel more chaotic and raw. The set, in its simplicity and innovation, was perfectly tailored for the physicality of the narrative.

The actor who played Amber’s father deserves special mention. Pushpinder Chani’s transformation between characters was subtle yet effective, adding nuance to each role he inhabited. A small moment that particularly impressed me was when Amber asked him to reconsider her plea to run. He repeated his line, “I’ll think about it,” three times with such precise consistency, that it felt almost like a ritual. It was a testament to his mastery, turning a simple moment into something significant and memorable.

Music and sound in Run, Rebel were expertly woven into the fabric of the play. The score never overpowered the dialogue but instead elevated the emotional beats, enhancing the tension and drama in a way that you often see executed more successfully in film or television. In this production, it felt perfectly attuned to the live experience, adding another dimension of storytelling without overshadowing the actors on stage.

If I had to point out a single shortcoming, it would be the somewhat anticlimactic resolution. Ruby’s partner revealing that the murder story was a lie felt a little too abrupt, as though it hadn’t been fully earned. The scene where her friends quickly forgave her for such an explosive outburst also felt slightly rushed, lacking the emotional weight that the rest of the play had cultivated so carefully. It may just be my own stubbornness in wanting a more drawn-out resolution, but even this minor flaw didn’t detract from the overall power of the production.

In the end, Run, Rebel was a masterfully crafted piece of theatre, blending heartfelt performances with innovative design choices and powerful soundscapes. Its exploration of identity, rebellion, and the weight of expectation will stay with me long after the curtain fell.

Reviewer: Zandra Odetunde

Reviewed: 2nd October 2024

North West End UK Rating: