Summer Rolls, Bristol Old Vic

Often when I go to review performances at the Bristol Old Vic I am unsure what to expect, all I know in advance is the title and occasionally the cast. Other than that, I am left completely in the dark until the lights dim, the curtain rises and the play begins. Sometimes at this point I am greeted by a performance satisfactory but not altogether overwhelming. Rarely am I left disappointed. Occasionally I am presented with a gem of theatrical genius, thought provoking, amusing and emotional all rolled into one. 'Summer Rolls' definitely falls into this later category. 

As soon as the music began for the opening act, I knew that what I was about to watch would remain with me for a long time. Over the next two hours I was held spell-bound as I watched the story of a Vietnamese family living in the UK unfold. The play follows Mai, an intelligent and creative young girl, as she struggles to come to terms with her life as a second generation-immigrant. Additionally, her family guard her from wounds and secrets of a war-torn Vietnam that she is too young to remember, creating divides between Mai and those she loves. Family, relationships, racism, war, generational differences are all themes tackled by this performance, in a way that is sensitive and direct. 'Summer Rolls' effortlessly interweaves these themes with more comical elements, depicting the balance of life and providing a performance both entertaining and thought provoking. 

In addition to the phenomenal plot, it was the cast who truly carried this production and brought it to life. Anna Nguyen, who played Mai, particularly stood out to me as she perfectly depicted a character who began as a young girl and grew into a woman. Through posture, tone and expression she displayed Mai as first the obstinate and inquisitive child, then the independent and creative teen, before finally the more quietly hopeful mature adult who sought to bring reconciliation to those affected by the war by telling their stories. Alongside Anna Nguyen, Linh-Dan Pham portrayed the hurt, strength and courage of a mother seeking to protect and assist her children. Her ability to manipulate the audience, making them laugh one minute and cry the next is statement to her talent as an actress and greatly added to my enjoyment of the performance as a whole. 

If you get the chance 'Summer Rolls' is a performance that I strongly encourage you to go and watch. It begs us to ask the questions we often avoid, and confronts, head on, the power that war and hatred have to mar the beautiful, whilst showing the resilience and determination that can overcome these challenges.