Fairview a powerful, provocative exploration of race – review
Jackie Sibblies Drury’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama has opened at The Young Vic, directed by Nadia Latif.
Before beginning this review it’s worth noting that we’ve been sent a post-show message outlining some specific aspects of the play which we’re not allowed to talk about. While it’s understandable that the surprises are best kept a secret, it also makes detailing what makes this production so impressive quite a challenge. Suffice to say there’s some exceptionally powerful and provocative stuff towards the conclusion, but we can’t tell you what that is or indicate how it unfolds.
Fairview begins conventionally enough – arguably a little too predictably. Set in a pretty, immaculately-decorated family home, it initially packs all the punch of a whimsical, light-entertainment family comedy. Everything has to be just-so for the mother’s birthday – cue a variety of silly mishaps, from the difficult sibling’s newly-acquired dietary requirements to the burnt birthday cake. It all unfolds as expected, and the observations of this African American family are all a bit cliché – there’s a lot of pandering to racial stereotypes.
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At the point where we’re convinced we’re just watching some dated sitcom adapted for the stage, the curtain comes down and we’re ready for act two – and this is where things get interesting. While we don’t want to give much away, the second act presents the family’s words and actions from an entirely different perspective. It’s a show which intelligently lures its audience into a false sense of security, only to pull proceedings in an unexpected and unpredictable direction.
We won’t say what happens in the final section of the performance, but expect the unexpected – a whole host of theatrical conventions are completely thrown out of the window. Fairview reveals itself to be a play not simply about a black family, but much more about how white people view others who are not white. It’s an incredibly thought-provoking piece of theatre, one that doesn’t shy away from making its audience feel uncomfortable.
We’re aware the show won’t be everyone’s cup of tea – the first act, while necessary to make the remainder of the play have an impact, is all a bit daft and conventional. We spent much of the second act squirming in our seats, having a whole variety of our preconceptions challenged. As such we can’t really say it’s an enjoyable theatrical outing, but it’s certainly an impressive achievement.
GAY TIMES gives Fairview – 4/5
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Author: Chris Selman