Soho Rising for 2024 has showcased the rising stars of Soho Theatre Labs, and is about to enter its final week of two.
This year I was intrigued by a play called Barbie Comes To Tea, a family play by Shanika Warren-Markland. It has been staged before by Talawa Theatre in their Talawa Firsts and now returns in a script-in-hand rehearsal reading.
“Willow is ignoring that Jordan wants to play with a Barbie doll while Jason thinks its just a phase. Cherelle thinks its homophobic and Vivi is wondering why nobody has just asked Jordan?”
“Barbie Comes To Tea explores family dynamics, class, race, sexuality, and masculinity – everything a family party needs.”
Curiously, there were no credits available for the four performers, so I will refer to them by the character names. Although this was billed as a rehearsal reading, and scripts were in evidence, there was some set dressing and entrances/exits between scenes.
Cherelle has clearly done well, she dresses and speaks better than her siblings and cousin. But her life feels a little empty. It’s a measured performance that is both remote and powerful. It isn’t just a simple reading.
Little sister Vivi is the peacemaker, the one who steps out of arguments. She may be lesbian, but that angle is unresolved – she’s certainly fun. For brother Jason, he’s been in prison and is separated from his wife and young daughter. His performance has unresolved anger and pain within.
This leaves cousin Willow, slut-shamed as a child, left in poverty, and mother to sensitive, 7 year old Jordan. She sees a difficult life ahead for the boy who likes lipstick, nail polish, dolls, and Disney princesses.
There’s a lot to unpick in Barbie Comes To Tea (which ran ten minutes beyond the advertised runtime). Sex, alcohol, cannabis, and what it means to be different (skin or sexuality) are explored.
A late subplot of off-stage tragedy seems a step too far, however well-written. It’s enough that this family fractures and then rebuilds while they wait for the guest of honour to come to the party.
Soho Rising continues until 17 Feb with tickets available here.