Love in a Foreign Land at The Playground Theatre
Reflection, rage and regret drive Maria Vigar’s latest play. Love in a Foreign Land is a poignant exploration of leaving your homeland in pursuit of love, and delves into the experience of being a foreigner. Directed by Anastasia Revi, the performance showcases love in many forms – between partners, children, siblings and strangers, shining a light on the very human feeling of yearning for connection.
The script is inspired by the true story of Vigar’s mother, which unfolded between 1959 and 2009. Centering around Theophana, who in her old age is looked after by her children and carers, the piece reflects on the choice she made in her youth to leave Cyprus in order to look for her husband. The two timelines transpire simultaneously, with the older Theo commenting on the actions of her younger self. The show highlights many issues faced by immigrants at the time, as well as exploring themes of sexism and complex family dynamics.
The Playground Theatre is the perfect venue, with the action set between Ladbroke Grove, Shepherd’s Bush and Queensway (with some quick scenes in Cyrus, too, of course). The play feels local and familial – we could be in a friend’s living room listening to their “Yaya” tell an anecdotal story. This feeling is furthered by Louis de Bernières’s soundtrack, combining evocative Greek music with nostalgic hits from the era, making the performance feel even more familiar. The peppering of beloved classics such as Here Comes the Sun throughout made proceedings feel all the more personal, and brought levity to an otherwise quite heavy production.
The script is beautifully heartfelt, although the exaggerated performance of some characters distracts from the real humans that Vigar has shaped. There was a peculiar combination of very naturalistic and very over-the-top executions, which at times made it difficult to connect with the tender themes within the show. The acting of Theophana at both ages, however is impeccable. Both Lucy Christofi Christy (Mama) and Elena Hadjiafxendi (Young Theo) encapsulate the desperation of their character. They are immediately loveable, both their anger and joy visceral as an audience member. The feminine strength portrayed by both actresses makes it easy to believe that one is simply a younger version of the other – a testament to both artists’ skills.
Love in a Foreign Land is a telling of an unquestionably moving story, and gives a voice to characters whose experiences are often lost in history. Though the execution is not without flaws, the longing and rumination portrayed are easy to connect with, and the performance is touching and thought-provoking.
Emilia Gould
Photos: Lakruwan Rajapaksha
Love in a Foreign Land is at The Playground Theatre from 26th March until 12th April 2025. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.
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