This piece is insightful; something Australians take for granted: speaking English. But what if you lived in a country colonised by the British? Like us, however, is the primary language supposed to be English? Myriads of other dialects, English not being one of them, and you grew up only speaking English?

What would you think of yourself? How do you think others would perceive you? Would you realise that you helped create a leftover system? How would this realisation influence you with your future decisions?

Vibhinna takes us on her journey, growing up in south India. A country where there are estimates of over 19500 dialects and English is your number one tongue? It may come across as ordinary until your chosen profession requires you to speak the dialects of your parents or the area in which you were born.

Of course, it’s normal when your schooling has all been in English and the conversations you have with your parents while growing up have always been in English.  

How would we be perceived? Remember, the British were in India for quite a while, and although they skipped town, they left their imprint behind. Vibhinna enlightens the audience with regard to the long-term effects of colonisation. How it has subconsciously saturated and helped define a class system.  

This is not an anti-colonisation production; it is, however, a matter-of-fact deep dive into her life. Vibhinna honours South Australians as she shares some painful explorations and realisations. She makes a considerable effort to connect with the audience; she wants to take you on this journey. 

The effortless shift from one character to another, all the while nimbly changing a fluid set to suit a scene, makes the show elegant and a sobre representation of colonisation’s long-term influence on a child —a genuinely insightful show.

Even though it was a 39-degree day, Why English kept the audience interested and wanting to know more, based on those who stayed around to ask questions during her thoughtful Q&A after the show.