Dreamers

Though set in our complicated modern world, some the characters in Dreamers reflect the attitudes of a much older society. These rather unappealing secondary players cannot fathom the intimate relationship of the protagonists, an elderly white widower and a much younger immigrant who can barely find work in this country, and they make it their business to make life as difficult as possible for the pair. Collaborating again with director Ariette Taylor, Daniel Keene has written leads who you cannot help but love. Anne is a charming, frail older woman who’s learnt to survive alone without becoming too tough to strike up a conversation at a bus stop with Majid, a wise, sweet young man who refuses to lose his optimism despite having almost nothing. Their love is just as real and strong as any, but the way they are demonised reminds us that many people are uncomfortable living in this progressive, multicultural world and attitudes considered archaic are still present under the surface. Helen Morse is brilliant as Anne, anchoring the cast of eight, and Yomal Rajasinghe is the standout as Majid: strong, determined, yet as innocent and curious as a child. Keene’s witty script is hilarious when not hopelessly depressing, making it an abrasive piece you must not miss.

fortyfivedownstairs to 30 Nov.