Tupperware of Ashes starring Meera Syal OBE has world premiered at the Dorfman theatre at National Theatre London this autumn. A Review by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International
The production is a vivid and heart-breaking family drama about life, immigration and the Indian spiritual cycle of death and rebirth. It is a compelling play that delves into the intricate tapestry of family and cultural identity; a poignant exploration of grief, memory, and narrative that centres around a South Asian family navigating this, intertwining humor and sorrow to create a deeply resonant experience.
The characters are vividly portrayed, each representing different facets of the immigrant experience. The matriarch, grappling with her role and expectations, serves as a powerful anchor for the story. Her interactions with her children reveal the generational tensions between preserving heritage and embracing modernity. The siblings’ differing responses to their shared loss highlight the complexities of familial bonds, making the audience reflect on their own relationships.
An ambitious Michelin-Star chef, Queenie is used to having the last word. But when her children notice gaps in her memory and her grip on reality loosening, they are faced with an impossible choice. As Raj, Gopal and Kamala battle to reconcile their life-long duty to their mother, the ramifications of their decision take on a heartbreaking permanence.
The cast includes Raj Bajaj, Natalie Dew, Marc Elliott, Stephen Fewell, Shobna Gulati, Avita Jay, Meera Syal and Zubin Varla.
The creative team, led by director Pooja Ghai (Artistic Director of Tamasha Theatre Company) includes set and costume designer Rosa Maggiora, lighting designer Matt Haskins, composer Nitin Sawhney, sound designer Elena Peña, illusions director and designer John Bulleid, movement director Anjali Mehra, fight and intimacy directors Rachel Bown-Williams and Ruth Cooper-Brown of Rc-Annie Ltd, casting director Naomi Downham, music associate David Shrubsole, dialect coach Hazel Holder and staff director Layla Madanat.
Syal’s sharp, insightful dialogue balances poignant moments with wit, keeping the audience engaged. The use of everyday objects, like Tupperware, as symbols of both practicality and emotional baggage adds depth to the narrative, suggesting how we contain our memories and emotions.
The lighting, set design, sound effects and costumes are on point. The staging is effective, with a minimalistic set that allows the characters’ emotions to take center stage. The lighting and sound design enhance the atmosphere, subtly reflecting the characters’ internal struggles.
Overall, “Tupperware of Ashes” is a thought-provoking piece that invites reflection on how we honor those we’ve lost while navigating our identities. Its blend of humor and heart makes it a touching exploration of family, making it a standout work in contemporary theatre. This play serves as a reminder of the importance of connection and the complex legacies we inherit. It is a hard-hitting and mind-blowing production all at once, a heart wrenching and an immersive experience.
The actors deliver an incredible performance in this intense and moving play where all actors especially Meera Syal OBE is truly in top form! It is inspiring to see a South Asian cultural narrative take centre stage, raising the banner for diversity in theatre in London. This is a must-watch production! Highly Recommended. This play is on until 16 November 2024.
