A Thought-Provoking and Timely Exploration of the Refugee Crisis
Birds of Passage is a powerful and thought-provoking play that explores the complex relationship between tourism and the refugee crisis. Set on the idyllic Greek island of Zandros, it follows British tourists Emma (Milly Walters), Bill (Jan van der Black), and Sandra (Maggie Daniels), who arrive expecting a luxurious and uneventful trip. However, very quickly, they are confronted with the fact that the island is actually a stopping point for refugees, arriving by boat from treacherous journeys.
The play delves into the characters’ contrasting reactions to the crisis, as their good intentions collide with the reality of the situation. Emma, the most well-meaning of the tourists, is eager to help but finds her naive idealism challenged by a refugee who’s found himself on the island, Jusef (Jerome Kennedy) and by the lived realities of some of the locals, Elena (Marissia Petropoulou) and Christos (Christopher Kouros), who have watched the crisis unfold over many years.
The simple set design enhanced the atmosphere of the play. With white and blue fold-out tables and a line of four plant pots, the set effectively transports the audience to the Greek island. The bold use of deep blue and pink lights, combined with lilting Greek music, sets the scene beautifully while maintaining an underlying tension. This contrast between the idyllic setting and the mounting crisis reflects the central tension of the play—the disparity between the tourists’ expectations and the local reality.
Birds of Passage strikes a delicate balance between serious subject matter and moments of levity. The humour, while not always effective, provides much-needed respite, helping to prevent the narrative from becoming too overwhelming. The play uses these moments to explore deep themes with a light touch, offering unexpected twists that challenge the audience’s preconceptions and shed light on the complexities of migration and humanitarian aid.
Marcia Kelson’s writing is sharp and engaging, highlighting the nuances of the refugee crisis and educating the audience. Penny Gkritzapi’s direction ensures that the emotional weight of the play lands effectively, guiding the cast through moments of both lightness and intensity. Jan van der Black’s performance of Bill was particularly striking in this regard. We quickly come to understand that he is extremely anti-immigration, with lines like “stop the boats” and beliefs that refugees are “sponges”, which are hard-hitting and difficult to hear. Yet, despite his often harsh rhetoric, he frequently becomes the target of jokes from his wife, Sandra, providing much-needed levity. As the narrative unfolds, however, Bill’s transformation becomes a quietly moving journey—showing how the play masterfully shifts from sharp satire to emotional resonance, illustrating both his personal evolution and the play’s deeper emotional stakes.
Birds of Passage is a timely and important play that challenges audiences to rethink their assumptions about migration, privilege, and aid. It is an emotionally resonant piece that stays with you.
Reviewer: Eliza England
