Dara, National Theatre ****

The performance I saw was in preview so is not the finalized production.

In a time which is so ignorant to different religions and a theatrical culture which is solely centered around the white, middle-class and middle- aged. Therefore, it is wonderful to see the National giving us a diverse programme in order to attract people from all walks of life and not just from the privileged. Dara is a gripping drama which transports it's audience to 1659 India to witness not just a family drama but an examination of how we treat faith and it's role in our society. It addresses many pitfalls in people's view of Islam and demonstrates, through the role of Dara, that we need to accept other faiths and not persecute them because they believe in many gods, one god or even no gods. The set is majestic,atmospheric yet simple in it's design and hosts magnificent performances especially from Zubin Varla who plays the protagonist and titular character. The constant use of flashbacks could have damaged the flow of the narrative but, due to the Tanya Ronda's adaption, I kept track of the story easily. This production is so important to see and is a credit to the National's endeavors to include all, unlike most theatres in London currently.