Santi and Naz at Soho Theatre

Stretched out across the floor, best friends Santi and Naz are on different sides of the land, India after Partition.

The two have a very intimate relationship, and are usually in bright spirits. Santi (Aiyana Bartlett) is the avid reader and poet, while Naz (Farah Ashraf) is more disparaging of the literary word. They are from different religions – Santi is Sikh, while Naz is Muslim – but as pre-Partition life has been described by many, people from all religions lived fairly harmoniously.

Set amidst the political tensions and election period of 1947, co-writers Guleraana Mir and Afshan D’Souza-Lodhi have produced a moving narrative, in which the story unfolds with meaningful dialogue and believable performances from both Ashraf and Bartlett. Santi and Naz are living ordinary adolescent lives, teasing each other, playing games and chatting about what the future holds for them both in rural India. When a young man enters their village, Santi is quickly smitten by the newcomer, and mocked by Naz; unbeknownst to both, he is a radical sharing inflammatory propaganda. As the play unspools, Naz receives a proposal from a much older man, and the two friends make fun of his slug-like moustache, nicknaming him “keema breath”.

The duo’s friendship is tested, a rift appearing slowly but surely. While India prepares for Partition – in an effort to finally rid the country of British rule – life becomes increasingly challenging and previously celebrated differences between friends are brought to the fore in a hostile light. The piece uses what seems to be real sound footage from Gandhi and Jinnah, which adds authenticity. Partition not only divided India and Pakistan, but in just over two decades’ time, consequently formed the new nation of Bangladesh, after another heinous and needless war. Following the arbitrary infamous “Radcliffe line” drawn up in an attempt to divide Punjab and Bengal in India, what ensues is one of the most devastating migrations in human history, resulting in extensive generational trauma.

Santi and Naz evokes compassion and urges viewers to delve deeper into this shameful, and ultimately avoidable, past. A deeply emotive play, performed with pathos by Ashraf and Bartlett, it leaves the audience tearful, reflecting on all the events that still affect families to this day.

Selina Begum
Photos: Paul Blakemore

Santi and Naz is at Soho Theatre from 21^st January until 8^th February 2025. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.