I begin watching any show by giving it my full attention, like any respectful audience member. But how long can one keep the focus if the production doesn’t meet you halfway? Sons of the Prophet, unfortunately, doesn’t do much to keep the audience engaged through story or performance.
The production design by Samal Blak is elaborate, with the stage accommodating multiple settings spanning across two levels. Such expanse is more typical to larger shows and musicals that have larger-than-life storytelling. For this story exploring the intimacies of a family in rural Pennsylvania, constantly moving across different spaces in 105 minutes took away from the inner conflict and intricate complexities of the themes being explored. Each scene is titled like a book chapter and takes place in a different location – while this is the chosen form by writer Stephan Karam, is all the jumping really necessary to the narrative and dramatic buildup? Even with all the set and lighting changes, the show feels quite verbose – it seems as though what was lacking in performance was attempted to be overcompensated through production value.
With a relatively experienced cast such as this one, one would expect a punchy performance. The acting, however, feels quite laboured and there isn’t much variation to the rhythm of the play. While the writing doesn’t allow for each character to be fully fleshed out and elaborate on backstories, the direction by Bijan Sheibani also doesn’t juice out the characters to their fullest extent. There are some lines, sharp in wit, which get laughter from the audience. But for a show claiming to be a tragicomedy, supported by an exciting exposition, sadly most of it doesn’t land.
Sons of the Prophet runs until 14th January 2023 and tickets can be found at https://www.hampsteadtheatre.com/whats-on/2022/sons-of-the-prophet/
Reviewer: Aditi Dalal
Reviewed: 12th December 2022
North West End UK Rating: ★★