Watching the 99th performance of Angel yesterday in the Arcola Theatre was bittersweet.
It has been one year since the beautiful and unbelievably talented actress, Filipa Bragança departed this world.
Angel by Henry Naylor was written with her in mind. Now it is a testimony to Filipa’s memory.
The story of Rehana, the Angel of Kobane is set in Syria during the rise of ISIS. It is a coming-of-age tale of an unsung hero, a famous female sniper, who fought against the crimes committed to her country. She fought for her homeland. She fought for her family. Rehana would stop at nothing to save her father, who taught her how to shoot a gun. He showed her how to protect herself and those she loved.
Angel is performed by the incredible, Avital Lvova. She performs with such intensity, physically and emotionally, it is impossible to take your eyes off her. She made that role her own.
Still, it is hard to not think of Filipa as I walked out of the Arcola Theatre. Her face is on the cover of Henry Naylor’s, Arabian Nightmares. She is looking at the camera defiantly, holding a rifle, with angel wings silhouetting her bullet-proof vest.
For me, Filipa just reminds me of what is important.