The Empress takes us on a journey through Britain’s colonial history and imperial rule through the lives of a cast of people who all arrive in Tilbury Docks from India on the same ship. Rani, a 16-year old ayah who was immediately fired as a nursemaid after the ship docked and left to fend for herself. Rani’s heartfelt story, which details her journey from a traumatic beginning to pursuing her studies, finding sanctuary in a shelter, and finding a lost love, illustrates what actually occurred to many ayas who were scorned by British families during that time.
Queen Victoria sits above the stage enjoying stories of a country she has never visited with her new servant, while a young girl below is horribly mistreated by the master of a family she is trying to serve.
Abdul Karim, who after leaving the ship became Queen Victoria’s servant before being promoted to teacher. The story of Abdul Karim, however, stands out because of his bond with the Queen and the terrible treatment he received following her passing. There are heartwarming instances. It is delightful to observe the Queen clearly touched by Karim’s descriptions of the Taj Mahal, a palace she has only ever seen through her late husband’s paintings.
Flags are flown in honour of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee, and there is much to celebrate. Despite her passion for her new servant Abdul, who the Royal household refers to less affectionately as “The Indian,” herdominion is expanding quickly, but she isoblivious to the implications for the people living in the regions her country is snatching up.His claims that the British stole the valuable stones from the structure that formerly made it glitter disgust her. We experience delicious aromas throughout the theatre, dancers and vendors filling a busy marketplace, and brightly coloured cloths wrapped around the ailing queen when Abdul leads his kingdom to a frail, dying Queen.
The monarch doesn’ t actually emerge onthe stage below until the Queen, who the oppressed refer to as “The Empress of famine and Black Death,” grows more weak and a young girl named Rani fights her way out of the gutter and into a position as Adabhai Naoroji’s secretary, who also arrived with them on the ship. Naoroji later became the UK’s first Indian MP. The shocking divide between the ruler and the ruled is evident.
Tanya Katyal has superbly portrayed an innocent 16 year old Rani and growing before our eyes into a strong woman. Alexandra Gilbreath wonderfully played the role of a witty and no nonsense Queen Victoria and Raj Bajaj as her humorous, loyal servant.
The play has brilliantly highlighted a story of an uncomfortable past but also a celebration of culture and strength.
Directed by Pooja Ghai, Artistic Director of Tamasha, Tanika Gupta’s The Empress will take you from the rugged gangways of Tilbury docks to the grandeur of Queen Victoria’s Palace, whilst unveiling the long and embedded culture of British Asian history.
SWAN THEATRE STRATFORD-UPON-AVON UNTIL 18 NOV 2023
