REVIEW: MY BROTHER’S KEEPER by Mahad Ali at Theatre503 14 Feb – 04 March 2023

´sharp, entertaining, pacey and dynamic` ★★★★

A time of mass migration has unearthed a rich narrative vein of story-telling currently being reflected on the contemporary stage. Mahad Ali’s first fully produced play is a fine addition to this powerful oeuvre. My Brother’s Keeper tells the story of two Nigerian men, brothers and refugees, who arrive in Margate in 2015, just before the general election. Retrospectively and pertinently, we know this was when the Independence Party was gaining prominence, fanning flames of intolerance that would ultimately lead to the Brexit referendum.

Amman and Hassan arrive in a coastal town, “a speck of black in a sea of white faces” like many migrants, they are “scattered like seeds.” Older brother, Hassan played by Tito Williams leaves behind a young wife and daughter to whom he dutifully sends money. As well as being a grafter, he’s gifted with sporting talent and dreams of being the next Mo Farrah. Younger brother, Amman, mesmerizingly embodied by Tapiwa Mugweni, has a more epicurean approach. As a young gay man who has left a country where homosexuality is criminalised, the UK represents a land of personal freedom, not just somewhere to work.

We are reminded that while Margate may have a swish new gallery and spreading gentrification, high levels of unemployment create hard times and harder attitudes. Our new arrivals are not welcome by everyone, but hotelier Bill Bradley and his son Aiden agree to house them. This creates conflict with the local community including old buddy, Linton, for whom the Independence Party who look more like “a Status Quo revival tour” proves an irresistible draw. Dramatically, the tensions are played out both socially and interpersonally alongside unexpected friendships that blossom. Son, Aiden, (debut performance by Oscar Adams) is recovering mentally from a difficult time and sparks a friendship with the irrepressible Amman.

Sharp and entertaining, 2 hours plus a 15-minute interval fly by in this dynamic production directed by Rob Awosusi. Mahad Ali, part of the BBC Studios Writer’s Academy in 2021 and selected as part of Theatre503’s Five Programme, delivers a pacey, intelligent script. He demonstrates a tremendous ear for both dialect and dialogue. The contrast between the cadences of West African vernacular against the flat vowels of seaside Cockneys, is a delightful listen. With all-round strong performances, My Brother’s Keeper reflects on what draws people together and what keeps them apart. An exploration of brotherhood in its broadest sense, the audience is left with the idea that borders are drawn not only across land and sea but foremost in the mind.

Images: Ali Wright

Relentless Productions and Theatre503 present

MY BROTHER’S KEEPER

14 Feb – 4 March 2023

Written by Mahad Ali

Directed by Robert Awosusi

Box Office https://theatre503.com/whats-on/my-brothers-keeper/

Reviewed by Nilgin Yusuf

An experienced author, lecturer and journalist (ex-Sunday Times, Daily Telegraph and ELLE) Nilgin is developing her first full-length stage play, supported by Mrs.C’s Collective and the Arts Council