Fairview review: A masterclass into the ‘power of observation’

Tirza Sey praises Fairview in its subversion of the typical spectator-actor dynamic, shining a harsh light on our own unconscious biases.

Photos by Paul Ashley

To say that I was excited to see Fairview would be an understatement. Having read that the play ‘shakes the spectator relationship in a way that other plays are afraid to’, I walked into the ADC theatre with a simultaneous mix of high expectations and subtle doubt. Admittedly, I thought it was going to be a Brechtian, fourth wall style play - slightly unconventional but not groundbreaking. When I review a show, I research the play beforehand to get some context, learn the names of the core characters, but this time I took a different approach. Listening to the directors, who said that ‘this is a play where the less you know, the better’, I made the conscious decision to go into this show completely unknowing, and I’m so glad I did.

With all that being said, it wouldn’t be right to review Fairview in the way I usually would. To do so, would deprive you all of what I truly believe is an immersively, thought-provoking experience. It is the very act of observation that fuels this play, and I believe any spoilers would undermine the impact of this. In its purest form, Fairview is a play about race, and how the stories of POCs are often dominated, overwritten, and tainted with misconceptions and stereotypes. It forces us to question our own beliefs and realise our complicity in allowing, and at times, perpetuating the marginalisation of minority voices.

More powerful than a wake-up call, it shines a light on the inability of some to simply listen and learn. There have been countless times where I’ve been spoken for by those who have never and will never experience life in the way I have. Whether it is done out of love or guilt, or perhaps even both, it diminishes the voices and the struggle of those who are actually impacted. More often than not, the line between being an ‘ally’ and a ‘saviour’ becomes blurred, with detrimental effects. Fairview brilliantly explores this, with the chaos that erupts in Act 2 (no spoilers, I promise!) stemming from a reconstruction of the narrative so that it conforms with Western perceptions. 

“It’s productions like these that spark discourse outside the theatre, ones that can spur real tangible change.”

One of Fairview’s most prominent themes is the stereotyping that POCs face on a daily basis. In Act 2, several new characters are introduced, each embodying differing caricatures of black people. It masterfully illustrated the metaphorical boxes we are trapped in, the predetermination of our characters based purely on the amount of melanin in our skin. This nicely coincided with a discussion pertaining to the constant emasculation of black women - and this really hit home for me. It was only a few days ago that I was on the phone to my mum, crying about how I’m persistently viewed in a certain way despite my best efforts. When did shyness become intimidating, and assertiveness become aggressive? Hearing these very same terms being thrown around in the play was a jab to the heart, but seeing the nods of other black women reminded me that this a universally lived experience amongst POCs, one that I’m not alone in. 

Photos by Paul Ashley

Whilst I’ve chosen to not delve too much into the production itself, the incredible talent of the cast must be mentioned. The impeccable comedic timing by Eyoel Abebaw-Mesfin and Jacob Benhayoun’s remarkably accurate portrayal of a vexatious frat-boy stood out. Similarly, in her role as Jasmine, Ayo Adesina-Davies captivated the audience throughout. She was an absolute joy to watch, perfectly encapsulating the archetype, gossip-y, dramatic, and vivacious sister. I couldn’t write this review without shining a spotlight on Mei Alozie and her speech; a fusion of hope and harsh truths so poignantly delivered. Sound and set design worked together to transform the ADC stage into a sitcom TV show, with light transitioning seamlessly in moments where the fourth wall broke.

I can’t say anything more than watch the show. See for yourself how Chen and Bisiriyu have directed a revolutionary piece of art. Truly observe it and sit in its discomfort for a while. It’s productions like these that spark discourse outside the theatre, ones that can spur real tangible change. You will also have the privilege of watching the best entrance onto a stage I’ve ever seen in my three years here, courtesy of Eion McCaul, and that, to me, is reason enough. 

Fairview will be playing at the ADC Theatre until the 17th February 2024.