Generations collide in the world premiere of Nikki Shaffeeullah’s A Poem for Rabia. Produced in association with Nightwood Theatre and Undercurrent Creations, and co-directed by Clare Preuss and Donna-Michelle St. Bernard, A Poem for Rabia is a stunningly beautiful story about three generations of women, their struggles, and their triumphs. A stellar cast (including the author herself), a functional and mesmerizing set, and compelling stories makes A Poem for Rabia a not-to-be-missed production.
A Poem for Rabia simultaneously tells the story of three women: Rabia, who is going to Guyana from India in 1853, Betty who lives and works in British Guyana in 1953, and Zahra, who is an abolitionist and activist in Toronto in 2053. We learn that these three women share so much more than just their bloodlines; their passion drives them to be the exceptional women they become throughout the course of their stories. We see how the one constant throughout history is change, and how even when we know the change is for the better, there’s still a lot of mess (and paperwork) to clean up afterwards.
One of my favourite storytelling elements of this production was how differently the three women spoke from one another. You could tell where they were from by how they spoke and it gave each character unique qualities all their own. With each distinct dialect comes its own kind of poetry and rhythm, allowing us not only to travel through time but also place as we get to know Zahra and her ancestors.
Sonja Rainey’s design of A Poem for Rabia was gorgeous. The stage with its pool of water at the front and undulating wave-like walls along side allowed the set to fit all of the locations required for the story. I also enjoyed that there were so many hidden drawers for props and chairs; you never know what surprise they’ll pull out next! Jawon Kang’s costume design was also delightful; everything from saris, to a pair of overalls I now desperately want, to outfits made to beat the heat, A Poem for Rabia is a feast for the eyes!
This production has an incredible ensemble of actors working together to bring this story to life. Author Nikki Saffeeullah stars as Zahra and she absolutely shines in the role. I thought she was fantastic, and it must be so thrilling to get to perform your own work on such a great stage. Adele Noronha plays Rabia, and I loved her sassiness and charm which her character carries throughout the story. She has amazing chemistry with Anand Rajram who plays Farooq, who ends up marrying Rabia. Rajram is so charismatic that even when he’s playing a character we’re not particularly supposed to like (in Betty’s timeline), you can’t help but adore him. Michelle Muhammed plays Betty, and I loved the innocence and hope her character exuded, mixed with the feistiness that all three women share. Virgilia Griffith is fantastic as both Sheree and Martha; the no-nonsense love interests of Zahra and Betty respectively. Her command of the stage is excellent and her delivery is unmatched. Jay Northcott completes the cast, and I especially loved their character Jem; they’re fun and fierce, willing to protect their family at all costs. Because so many actors have more than one role, we get to see them all interact with one another at some point during the play, and I thought the overall chemistry was absolutely superb.
My favourite moment of the play is when Rabia, Betty, and Zahra meet in the water. What most of us wouldn’t give for a moment like that with our ancestors. This magical moment where they share food and stories and gifts (wanted or unwanted) is so beautiful and was a perfect penultimate movement in the play. It was the moment I’d secretly been hoping for from the start, and when it did some it was so perfectly funny and heartfelt, it brought a tear to my eye and a smile to my face.
A Poem for Rabia speaks right to your heart; a show about humanity and the sacrifices we make for our future generations, no matter the cost. You won’t want to miss this incredible production which runs until November 12th. For more information and tickets, visit: https://tarragontheatre.com/plays/current-season/upcoming/a-poem-for-rabia/
Michelle Mohammed, Nikki Shaffeeullah, and Adele Noronha in A Poem for Rabia – Tarragon Theatre 2023 – Photo by Cylla von Tiedemann
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