'Statues' review — poetry and rap light up the stage in this powerful study of family, identity and grief

Read our review of new play Statues, written by and starring Azan Ahmed, now in performances at the Bush Theatre to 9 November.

Can you properly grieve a man you’re only just beginning to understand? That’s the question in Azan Ahmed’s new play Statues, which follows the days after Yusuf’s father’s death. His dad was not one for making conversation. Often, he was sat still and quiet in front of the TV. But, as Yusuf starts to clear up the remains of father’s life from his old flat in Kilburn, he discovers a man he doesn’t recognise after playing some ancient, dusty tapes.

From the tape recorder comes out blaring beats, rap music and most, surprisingly of all, his father’s voice. Once, his dad had things he wanted the world to hear; about his Pakistani culture, how it felt to fall in love, and living as an outsider in Britain. But how could Yusuf know? He’d always been so silent.

Azan’s script explores the complexity of grief in full force. Yusuf is drenched in sadness and yet reluctant to accept his loss. Instead, he throws himself into his new job as the head of English at his old secondary school. Desperate to impress his boss, he name-drops his Oxford degree and prepares to teach Hamlet to a class of Year 13s.

But, when a Muslim student (a brilliant Johnny Khan) calls Shakespeare’s great hero a “radical” in front of the whole English set, Yusuf feels compelled to punish him and assert his authority – even if it means landing his student in some serious trouble.

It is a story about needing to code switch and the mental drain of changing yourself to thrive. It shows, too, how different generations clash and change. But, even with such nuance at its centre, the structure of the play, directed here by Esme Allman, is somewhat confused. Yusuf’s audience address feels out of place with the rest of the piece.

Azan, who also stars, performs as several other characters too – some come out in full bloom, others less so. As Yusuf’s Aunty Dolly, he earns laugh after laugh. As the teenage version of Yusuf’s father, it takes a while for him to find his feet.

There are some narrative gaps, too. Yusuf’s mother is thrown into the dialogue occasionally, but her relationship to him is never properly explained. And yet, when Azan’s poetry, rhyme and rap light up the stage, it is impossible to resist. Urdu words are placed besides English ones, and the sentiment of his bars cuts deep. It would be a total joy to hear these performed in concert. Maybe that’s what Azan should try next.

Statues is at the Bush Theatre to 9 November. Book Statues tickets on London Theatre.

Photo credit: Statues (Photos by Harry Elletson)