Santi and Naz, UK Tour Review
Santi and Naz production. Photo by Steve Gregson
Written by Stacy for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Santi & Naz, written by Guleraana Mir and Afshan D’souza-Lodhi and directed by Madelaine Moore, is a beautifully tender and piercing exploration of friendship against the backdrop of one of the most turbulent times in South Asian history: the partition of India in 1947. The performance at Northern Stage last night encapsulated the heart-wrenching toll of historical events on personal lives through the lens of two childhood friends, Santi, a Hindu, and Naz, a Muslim. Their friendship weathers the tides of religious and political divides with humour, sincerity, and intense emotion.
The stage is intimate, capturing the simplicity and confinement of the girls’ world with minimal yet evocative set design. The scenes shift seamlessly from innocent playfulness to poignant, painful moments as the realities of partition creep into their lives. The lighting design beautifully enhances these transitions, shifting from warm, nostalgic hues to darker tones as the impending separation becomes inevitable. The direction subtly guides the audience’s focus onto the intricate layers of friendship, love, and cultural identity—elements that feel even more powerful as they become increasingly fragile.
What stands out most in Santi & Naz is the nuanced portrayal of friendship between the two young girls. The chemistry between the actors is nothing short of remarkable; they portray the affection, jealousy, laughter, and unbreakable bond of best friends with a visceral authenticity. Their performances feel so natural and genuine, particularly in scenes that depict their playful camaraderie—giggling, whispering secrets, and planning their futures, seemingly oblivious to the world’s tensions.
The script shines in its dialogue, oscillating between wit and heartfelt vulnerability. It deftly captures the innocence of youth and the weight of adult conflicts that inevitably intrude. Mir and D’souza-Lodhi’s writing allows audiences to witness not just the division of land but also the quiet erosion of dreams and relationships. Despite the specificity of the historical context, the play resonates universally; it is as much about partition as it is about the resilience of love in the face of division.
The production also deserves praise for its ability to engage the audience deeply with the historical context without becoming overly didactic. Through small moments—a shared snack, a secret exchange—the play builds a world that feels deeply intimate and fragile. This approach allows the audience to feel the enormity of the partition’s impact without being overwhelmed by historical details, instead focusing on the personal cost.
Santi & Naz is a moving, bittersweet testament to friendship and resilience. It’s a timely reminder of the personal narratives often overshadowed by political history, one that strikes a chord with anyone who has experienced the pain of separation or the steadfastness of a true friend. This production lingers long after the final curtain, a reminder of how love endures even as the world changes.
★★★★
