Review: BITCHES, Finborough Theatre, 18 August 2016

As part of the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain's season at the Finborough Theatre, Tara Tijani and Katherine Humphrey star in Bola Agbaje's unapologetically titled new work, Bitches.

This play is brave in so many ways. Its incredibly mature performers, who are 16 and 18 years old respectively, not only successfully hold an audience for 75 minutes, but they do so by taking on some of our world's most complex debates. It makes for immensely uncomfortable viewing.

The play's premise is simple and as contemporary as they come: two successful teenage vloggers attempt to record a film for their channel, Sons of Bitches. However, they each have strong opinions on the subject matter they seek to satirise and discuss. What follows is a frank and volatile conversation about race, feminism and the necessary relationship between these issues.

This is really challenging theatre; it's the kind of new writing that sustains Contemporary Theatre's function as an exciting and politically activating platform. And there's something glorious about seeing two teenage, female characters engage in such a debate, though the play itself seems to come to no particular political resolution. Nor is it a plot-driven piece. Perhaps it deliberately concludes with such an impasse, but further development might be needed here.

Under the dynamic and physically engaging direction of Valentina Ceschi, Tara Tijani gives a bold performance. Unusually comfortable and seemingly fearless, Tara's character is immensely likeable.

Humphrey has a far more difficult job, as her character spouts opinions she can barely defend, especially in her friend's outspoken company. She's off-putting as only a wronged teenager can be and - though in a more introverted manner - she offers just as brave a performance as Tijani. All in all, these young actors have much to be proud of, and should be noted by the observant theatregoer as "ones to watch".

All in all, despite a slightly inconclusive script, this is an exciting evening of engaging and relevant theatre. The resultant production far excelled many professional productions and the youth of the actors involved only added to the piece's realism, as did Emma Bailey's beautifully designed set.

Though Bitches had sold out by its press night - a promising start for this exciting new script - it ran from 16 to 20 August at the Finborough Theatre. It contains strong language.

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