Statues ★★★ Bush Theatre | Oct 9 - Nov 9, 2024


Ostensibly about the relationship between English teacher, Yusuf, and his recently deceased father, Mustafa, Azan Ahmed's Statues actually presents that personal reality in a larger political context: the perception of men of Pakistani origin in British society and the heavy-handed behaviour of National security services. Only after his father's death does Yusuf learn that Mustafa once aspired to be a rap artist, ultimately retreating into himself and becoming a "statue" when that dream goes unrealised. Ironically, at the same time as he has this revelation, Yusuf, is teaching Hamlet (a character who notoriously had his own father issues), and he encounters a challenging young student who interprets Shakespeare's protagonist as a "radical." The teacher then makes a choice that has unexpected and unfortunate consequences for the student in question and creates a situation that actually parallels the experience of Yusuf's father. Azan Ahmed's work is nicely constructed with a neat counterpoint between the relationship of Yusuf and his father and that of the teacher with his student, but Ahmed's characters seem underdeveloped as he hammers home his social message. We never really understand Yusuf's estrangement from his father or his motivations. The support system which resulted in him going to Oxford, or his own decision to blend into the world rather than assert himself, are also left unexplored. Yusuf remains a rather one dimensional character, even as he discovers a second dimension to his father's life. Azan Ahmed's portrayal of Yusuf also seems rather stiff and limited in range. Like Yusuf's character itself, the presentation seems to lack much nuance. As Mustafa's friend, Omar, and the student, Khalil, Jonny Khan brings an engaging vivacity to his portrayal, but he doesn't manage to create much difference between the two characters. In the end Statues is worth seeing for its lively rap sequences, amazing alliterative riffs and its salient and significant political point.

Rated: ★★★

Reviewed by J.C.
Photo by Harry Elletson

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