Once We Were Kings is the latest work from Perth theatre company Third Culture Kids. Written by Dure Khan and directed by Mustafa Al Mahdi, Once We Were Kings explores what it means to be young, “queer” and Muslim and navigating the cultural minefield of contemporary Australia.
Even after a couple of days, I’m still somewhat conflicted in my opinion of this work. I went in with reasonably high expectations and whilst the production wasn’t disappointing, I did leave feel slightly underwhelmed. Don’t get me wrong, there is much to like about Once We Were Kings. There really are some beautifully realised moments and Dure Khan’s text is exquisitely poetic at times. The performances from Solayman Belmihoub, Angela Mahlatjie and Naomi Denny were nuanced and captivating.
However, I feel the decision to explore the work’s themes through a series of monologues hindered my enjoyment of the work. It left the work feeling a little static and a touch repetitive; there didn’t seem to be any progression or development for these characters. I also felt the work erred on the side of didactic at times, and offering up largely, if not wholly negative experiences. I would have liked to see at least one positive representation; if only to give a counterpoint to what may very well be the norm.
Finally, I was largely impressed with the lighting design and the visual elements within the work; perhaps a subtle nod to Zoroastrianism. There were a few moments however where it was just too dark, I’m not sure if it was a result of a fault, but at one point two characters were delivering their monologues in complete darkness. I also made the mistake of sitting in the back row, which meant there were a few points throughout the work, when they were performing on the floor, where it was impossible to make out what they were doing. But that in itself is only a very minor issue.
On the whole, I liked Once We Were Kings, I just didn’t love it. There were many beautiful realised moments, and Dure Khan’s text was wonderfully poetic at times. Likewise I couldn’t really fault the casts’ performances. I just felt like the work was too cyclical and didn’t progress, personally I think I would have preferred to see the themes explored through a narrative structure as opposed to through monologues. I also would have liked there to be at least one positive representation of what it means young, “queer” and Muslim – surely not every experience can be wholly negative. Once We Were Kings was my first introduction to the work of Third Culture Kids and I’m certainly interested in seeing more of their work in the future.
Once We Were Kings is at The Blue Room Theatre in Perth until 29th May. For Tickets and more information visit: http://blueroom.org.au/events/once-we-were-kings/
The reviewer attended the Opening Night performance on May 15th.
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