Asha gets a strong mark of 85% for her essay on Gandhi and Ambedkar and embarks on another, this time about the Pankhursts and the suffragette movement.  She concentrates on Sylvia Pankhurst, one of Emmeline’s daughters who became a pacifist and openly disagreed with her mother and sister.  Asha’s mark for the Pankhurst essay earns only 65% and the disproval of her teacher, important to her university ambitions.

Having worked in university complaints on matters of inalienable academic judgment, I especially enjoyed Asha challenging her teacher’s marking of the Sylvia Pankhurst essay, explaining that she feels she has been the victim of unconscious bias in the marking.   

Asha advises Bettina on the bullying on the bus, telling her to speak out to get the support of the other passengers with ultimately disastrous results.  Instead of reading about political activism, Asha helps out someone who is seen as less bright and was one of the bullies.  Two Billion Beats is about Asha’s journey.  Although the subject is serious there is also much to smile and laugh at in the conversation between the sisters. 

The performances are excellent from both actors and the playwright grapples with big ideas through their dialogue.  Nimmo Ismail is a writer as well as a director and keeps the play involving as we explore what battles these young women will face.  This play will involve some homework for most to fully appreciate its historical themes but is thoroughly worthwhile.