Adeel Akhtar impresses in The Estate

Shaan Sahota's debut play compels audiences with family betrayal and political ambition.

Adeel Akhtar shines in The Estate

Adeel Akhtar delivers a powerful performance as Angad, a British-Sikh politician in Shaan Sahota's play The Estate. Set against a backdrop of family tensions and political scheming, the drama delves into themes of inheritance and betrayals. Angad inherits his father's wealth, leaving nothing for his two sisters, leading to conflicts. The play blends political satire with family drama but struggles with some clunky plot points. While it features exciting writing and strong performances, it misses on pressing contemporary political issues. The final speech by Angad raises important questions about ambition and representation in politics but remains entangled with other themes.

The Estate highlights the tension between personal ambition and family loyalty. It reflects the complexities of identity within the British political landscape. Akhtar's portrayal shines through, even as the narrative grapples with overarching themes of misogyny and power dynamics. The play, while ambitious, falters in bridging the gap between personal stories and broader societal issues. Audiences may find themselves questioning the authenticity of the political commentary, particularly its relevance to current events and contemporary challenges faced by marginalized communities.

Highlights

The Estate showcases the potential of new voices in theater while reflecting on the challenges faced by those in power.