What’s it all about?
If this weren’t such a serious play about a horrific topic, I’d be drawing comparisons with Wicked right now, as it’s a story of an unlikely friendship built at a place of learning, that is ripped apart.
Despite their shared Somalian heritage, Muna and Iqra are very different teenage girls. One is all about Rhianna, her mates and her little sister. The other is quieter, more traumatised, less westernised and part of a terrifying cultural ritual.
Who’s in it?
Both Adelayo Adedayo as the more streetwise Muna and Tsion Habte, who makes her professional stage debut as the private Iqra, find the innocence and naivety in teenagers whose experiences could and should have stripped all that innocence away.
In a production delivered mostly through monologue they brilliantly build a connection with each other and the audience. They’re cheery, witty, normal girls with everyday issues of mates and acceptance. Except they’re not, and Adedayo and Habte do exceptionally to balance this.
What should I look out for?
The moment when your heart plummets into your shoes and your stomach lurches into your mouth as you realise what is actually happening. You may have noticed I’m dodging around points here, and chances are you know the subject matter of the play, but the less I can say about the plot the harder it’s going to hit you. And it’s so important that this play hits you like a juggernaut.
Who was in the press night crowd?
Vicky Featherstone and the team from the Royal Court, where the production moves from 24 June.
In a nutshell?
Harrowing, heartbreaking and hugely important, Cuttin’ It packs a shattering punch.
What’s being said on Twitter?
Can’t stop thinking about #CuttinIt @youngvictheatre. The most powerful play I’ve seen in a while (much of the audience in tears). Go see!
— GriseldaMurrayBrown (@griseldamb) May 28, 2016
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You can’t watch #CuttinIt @youngvictheatre and not come out shaking with pain, anger, sadness and yet hope too.
— verityrhealey (@verityrhealey) May 27, 2016
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Will I like it?
This is a play that will genuinely take you through every emotion you knew you could feel and leave you thinking and scarred for days to come. It refuses to condemn, illuminates a practice that is horrific to most eyes and does it while also making you smile and laugh. There’s a reason it has already won awards. Steel yourself, take a deep breath and see it. It will be tough, but it will absolutely be worth it.
Cuttin’ It plays at the Young Vic until 11 June. You can book tickets through the theatre’s website.