Review & Analysis of Borderline2 min read

From the 6th to the 11th of March, Sophie Besse’s Borderline was showing at the Pleasance Theatre in Islington, North London.

The play is a black comedy which has found success worldwide and is based on the lives of refugees who have lived in the Calais Jungle.

The cast consists of an amazing group of thespians both of Refugee and European backgrounds who have come together sharing their past experiences to get this performance into fruition.

It was indeed successful in not only making theatregoers laugh, but more aware of the plight of refugees in today’s social and political climate; away from what we usually hear in the mainstream media.

The plot follows refugees from different parts of the world who have come to Calais as we see the journey of hardship taken to reach Safety in the United Kingdom.

Prominently light-hearted in tone, the play effectively brings a balance between comedic elements and adapting not only events in the past, but scenarios some of the cast members had to deal with before the production.

One factor which plays a big part in Borderline is the use of props, both materialistic and human.

The human aspect of props yet again serve as a device to make the audience laugh especially one particular actor who in a few scenes transforms into a motor-powered generator.

But one set of props which is consistent throughout is the use of second hand shoes; some on the centre of the stage, while a small hill of shoes at the back is used for actors to sit on.

At first we are exposed to a possible thief stealing the shoes and putting it into a bag, but it’s revealed later on that the vast amount shoes onstage are a metaphor for refugees.

It’s not an insult, but rather a commentary of how our society treats the refugee crisis and how refugees feel like they are being treated – powerful imagery indeed.

The play gradually reveals the conflict the characters face in their journey of migration through Calais and reflects the reality that is the refugee crisis.

From the Port of Calais to the Eurotunnel, Borderline discusses the grassroots to which the crisis has effected people through primary accounts rather than a news report, taking the audience on a journey with them.

What stands out the most is the fact that the production gives the audience a chance to query in a Q&A session straight after the play.

What we find out is that these talent performers want to leave their hardships behind through the comedy but also do their best in informing all audiences of the plight of migrants; not just in Calais, but all around the World.

Borderline is a must watch show and will continue to succeed in educating people as well as bridging the gaps in today’s society.