Review: Santi & Naz, Soho Theatre
25/01/2025
Santi & Naz at Soho Theatre is a teenage friendship story set against the backdrop of the run-up to Partition.
Santi (Aiyana Bartlett) is Sikh, loves books and has eyes for a young man in the village who may not be what she thinks he is. Naz (Farah Ashraf) is Muslin, less studious and bolder, but facing an unwelcome arranged marriage with a handsy man.
They are very close, tease each other and support each other. They have their own language and made-up games, but they are also on the path of discovery with new feelings to contend with, all while the outside world is starting to penetrate their innocent bubble.
Written by Guleraana Mir and afshan d'souza-lodhi, the script is textured in Indian culture and vividly transports you from a dark January evening in London.
The chemistry between Aiyana Bartlett and Farah Ashraf makes for a convincing friendship, bringing to life the intensity of female mates and the innocence and naivety as they are gradually exposed to the reality of the adult world.
Their interactions are charming, fun and bubble with humour, but it feels like there is more to explore in what is going on around them, given the backdrop of what is happening.
I'm giving Santi & Naz ⭐️⭐️⭐️ and a half.
Santi & Naz, Soho Theatre
Written by Guleraana Mir and afshan d’souza-lodhi
Story concept by Guleraana Mir and Madelaine Moore
Directed by Madelaine Moore
Cast: Aiyana Bartlett and Farah Ashraf
Running time: 75 minutes
Booking until 8 Feb; for more details and to buy tickets, visit the Soho Theatre website
Related reading:
Interview: 5 questions with theatre director Madelaine Moore
Recently reviewed:
A Good House, Royal Court Theatre ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ booking until 8 Feb then at the Bristol Old Vic 14 Feb-8 Mar
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Almeida Theatre ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ booking until 1 Feb.
The Little Foxes, Young Vic Theatre booking until 8 February ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️