Esho Rasho’s solo piece Dummy in Diaspora arrives at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe’s Zoo venue, exploring the experience of a young Middle Eastern boy navigating his way in a country that doesn’t have a place for him. Esho brings a warmth and honesty to the fold as he captures the challenges faced in this semi-autobiographical tale which blends humour and vulnerability to craft a richly absorbing theatrical experience.
Middle Eastern American boy Essa (Rasho) navigates sexuality, religion, the English language, and the fleetingness of youth in the US. Essa recounts moments from his family life, early romances, and personal insecurities throughout various key points from his early life.
Esho puts a human face on the challenges of diaspora, exploring the complexities felt by his protagonist in numerous facets of his life – torn between honouring his roots and establishing a new life in the US. Essa’s sister remarks that he would not be welcome in Saddam’s Iraq due to his sexuality, yet he is subject to judgement and homophobia from passing strangers in the US – a tense altercation with a Trump supporter and a crushing moment of humiliation at the hands of a teacher standing as powerful examples of this. Essa’s mother tongue is taken through additional language classes – a piece of himself removed, a true challenge to come to terms with.
Esho delves into the challenges of coming to terms with his sexuality in a Middle Eastern American Christian family. The creative captures both the love and bond between mother and son, yet the discord with regards to acceptance of identity and sexuality. Essa’s mother’s continual hope that he’ll get married, religion as a means of addressing homosexuality, and an uncomfortable doctor’s trip to address this, showcase the hurdles faced by many queer individuals in the coming out process. Esho expertly depicts the complexities of familial relationships as he depicts the struggle with coping with his mother’s cancer diagnosis.
The theme of fragility of life and the body fading trickle throughout Dummy in Diaspora. Essa longs to be desired – yet is plagued by fears of his body failing him – is the desire a means of cementing him and his place in his new homeland? Seeking a sense of place and purpose in early romantic encounters, Essa is hit by entrenched fears of his sexuality and its ‘wrongness’.
As the sole performer on stage, Esho carries the hour run time with a compelling finesse. The skilled performer embodies a plethora of characters with passion, crafting their vocal cues and mannerisms with an impressive ease. The performer conveys Essa’s introspective musings with a relatability ensuring this piece is a affecting and absorbing to a diverse audience.
Dummy in Diaspora, like Essa’s journey, does not provide all the answers – yet enthrals as an emotive piece exploring the complexities of the quest for belonging.
Tickets can be purchased here.
