The Band’s Visit
Donmar Theatre, London, until December 3
As a callow youth, I remember going to a wedding in Northern Ireland during the Troubles and being struck by how there were Catholics and Protestants there, together in the same reception room, greeting each other
with hugs and kisses.
It occurred to me that whatever ghastly stories there might be on the
news bulletins or whatever ghastly rhetoric the politicians were spouting, common humanity and civility counted for a lot more.
It’s the same of course with Jews and Muslims and that’s why I love the message behind The Band’s Visit. The play movingly recounts how a group of Egyptian musicians pay an official visit to Israel, get lost and end up in a little backwater, finding common cause and even love among the locals. At first sight, the musicians look a bit like old-fashioned Pan Am pilots in their pale blue uniforms and peaked caps. Alon Moni Aboutboul makes an immediate impression as the band leader: stern, formidable and looking very much like a middle-aged Omar Sharif.
He gradually begins to melt under the influence of Miri Mesika’s local innkeeper who offers him and his musicians hospitality. The chemistry between them is rare and wonderful. There’s a scene towards the end when
Aboutboul talks to Mesika about a family tragedy and it’s heart-rendingly played. These are two actors at the top of their game.
There’s a memorable turn, too, from the ever-reliable Peter Polycarpou as a
philosophical old widower. Soutra Gilmour’s set is minimalist, Michael Longhurst’s direction artful, Itamar Moses’ story moving and David Yazbek’s words and music spirited.
An important play, beautifully acted and performed, and unhesitatingly recommended.
