The Empress

Synopsis

It is the Jubilee! Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, 1887. At Tilbury Docks, Rani and Abdul step ashore after the long voyage from India. One has to battle a society who deems her a second class citizen, the other forges an astonishing entanglement with the ageing Queen who finds herself enchanted by stories of an India she rules but has never seen. The Empress uncovers remarkable unknown stories of 19th century Britain, the growth of Indian nationalism and the romantic proclivities of one of our most surprising monarchs.

Our Review:

18 April 2013

The Swan, so atmospheric with its dark wood and warm light, welcomes me with projected waves crashing upon a shore. I'm on board a ship's deck, and the year is 1887.

With Kneehigh's Emma Rice at the helm, I had high hopes for The Empress, and the opening does not disappoint. Musicians fill every corner of the intimate space; a heavily jewelled sitar player to my right wears elaborate Indian dress. The acting company take to the boards, some donning exposed Victorian undergarments, others exhibiting saris. The contrast could hardly be so fitting.

The language of Tanika Gupta's new play is easy to digest, and humorous in parts. As character profiles develop we observe the playful innocence of Rani (Anneka Rose), the philosopher in Hari (Ray Panthaki), and the self-assurance of Abdul (Tony Jayawardena). Thrown into late 19th century London they go their separate ways and make three very different journeys, destined to be reunited one distant day.

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