Premise Flies Away
There are pawns and there are players. Pigeons explores the manipulative forces behind throwing the cats amongst the pigeons but at the expense of the tribulations between two sixteen-year-old teenagers Amir (Kaykay Nizzam) & Ashley (Ebi Shankara), literally.
Racial and religious differences are indeed touchy issues, and more often than not, discussions on the topic are very superficial. Pigeons disappoints in that it brings no new light to the situation.
In fact, the play is misleading. Except for a few racial undertones, it delves more into classic rebellious teenage life: Amir and Ashley dabbling in drugs, alcohol and sex. The director is unable to draw out the impact of racism beyond the teenage angst.
The director creates a believable piece on teenage life and modern living (and the lack of awareness to one environment). However, this is insufficient. The character Karl (Lian Sutton) was badly plotted in the play, and all the fuss at the end is more a “what’s the big deal” moment than an epiphany. The plot is confusing at times and talks to itself rather than to the audience.
Kaykay Nizzam stands out in his role as an unfilial son who literally drives his father to his grave. Along with Ebi Shankara, they presented a genuine naïvety and recklessness.
Pigeons is honest and pleasant but it had ambitions it could not and should not be made to fulfill.