Vitamin D is a timely, sharp, and poignant piece of theatre that delves into the pressures women face within cultural and familial expectations. With an all-female cast and a captivating narrative, this production offers a moving exploration of identity, generational conflict, and self-expression through poetry.
Writer and actor Saher Shah plays the protagonist, Larki, in this play. It follows the story of a 29-year-old Pakistani woman navigating the complexities of divorce, returning home to live with her family, and grappling with the tension between her own desires and the expectations placed upon her by her family and society.
The play brings a refreshingly honest depiction of the struggles faced by women, particularly within traditional British South Asian culture. Through Larki’s journey, Vitamin D confronts the societal pressure on women to marry young and fulfil the role of a provider, as well as the emotional toll this takes on those who don’t fit neatly into that mould. The strained family relationships, especially between Larki and Mama, played by Renu Brindle, highlight the generational divide between more traditional values and the shifting identity of a younger generation striving for autonomy.
Shah’s performance is natural and engaging, creating an authentic and in-depth relationship with each character, reflecting the nuanced performances women must often adopt depending on their social setting. This subtle yet powerful exploration of how women often feel compelled to change their behaviour based on the expectations of others makes for an emotionally resonant performance, relatable not only to Pakistani women but to women universally.
The use of poetry as a means of expression is a standout feature. It feels genuine, weaving beautifully into the narrative and giving the audience insight into Larki’s inner world. The poetry becomes her way of wrestling with the stifling pressures she faces. Set Designer Maariyah Sharjil’s visual metaphor of the scroll as her bed emphasises the comfort and relief she finds in her writing—until her words falter under the weight of her personal turmoil.
One of the play’s strengths is its ability to balance serious, weighty themes with moments of humour. Anushula Bain’s performance as Friend created this comedic lightness amidst quite sensitive and heavy moments. The audience grew fond of the Friend’s appearances on stage. A sense of comfort and trust became clear between Friend and Larki, and the audience find themselves feeling as though they are part of their games and jokes, not just watching them. Additionally, Rosaleen Burton’s performance as Colleague provides an interesting dynamic, shedding light on the naivety and ignorance that can often surround discussions of culture while encouraging the audience to reflect on their own understanding and biases.
There are sections of dialogue in Urdu, which, while adding authenticity and depth to the portrayal of the protagonist’s cultural background, occasionally make it difficult for non-speakers to follow. Yet, this shift ultimately contributes to the naturalism of the play and emphasises the importance of presenting the character’s experience in an unfiltered, truthful way.
Vitamin D is a significant and powerful piece of theatre that opens a window into the experiences of women living under the weight of cultural and societal pressures. It invites audiences to both empathise with and challenge these expectations. The play leaves viewers with a deeper understanding of the complexities of identity, culture, and the struggle for self-expression.
Vitamin D is at Soho Theatre until 21st September
