CATWALK. To June 22

CATWALK
By Malika Booker
Soundscape by Rita Ray

Nitro at Tricycle Theatre to 22 June
Mon - Sat 8pm
Wednesdays 12 & 19 June 2 pm
Saturdays 4pm

1h 15 mins. No interval.

TICKETS 020 7328 1000
Review Danny Braverman 28 May

This production by black company Nitro may not be as explosive as desired, but is a well told story full of interest.This mixed media production tells the tale of Salisha, a fictional black super-model, from the points of view of those close to her. Presented as a series of monologues, we never meet the enigmatic protagonist. This convention in itself makes for an intriguing treatment of her story.

Writer Malika Booker's skill is in letting the audience fill in the gaps and not to tell us too much. We are left to speculate about Salisha's personality; mega-bitch or fragile victim; cocaine-snorting hedonist or mummy's girl. This way of building the narrative, underscored by Rita Ray's subtle soundscape and projected video images, helps to steer the production away from foregrounding the theme of racism in the fashion industry too obviously. Making the connections ourselves, this production invites us to ruminate on interconnected and important themes - the nature of beauty, black identity and culture, sexuality and the relationship between the values of the Northern and Southern hemispheres.

The production is given a light touch by directors Kristine Landon-Smith and Derek Richards. The cast delicately peals back the layers of Salisha's personality, placing the audience in the role of an intimate confidante to each of the characters. Abi Eniola is delightful as the affectionate yet snooty Make-Up Artist and Lucille Wall's DJ comments wittily on the world of the rich and famous from the down to earth standpoint of a young Londoner. Debra Michaels is particularly effective as Salisha's Caribbean mother, developing a wry relationship with the audience and creating a genuine empathy for someone whose life is ruled by spiritual practices that seem alien to a European sensibility.

So, although this production may lack the punch to be the 'explosive entertainment' that features as Nitro's public aspiration, it is a gently provoking story that creates an effective and compelling drama.

Mother: Debra Michaels
DJ: Lucille Wall
Make-Up Artist: Abi Eniola
Designer: Tony Marshall
Model: Naomi Taylor

Co-directors: Kristine Landon-Smith & Derek Richards
Designer: Sue Mayes
Lighting Designer: Ian Scott
Sound Design: Nick Greenhill
Costume Supervisor: Alison Forbes-Meyler
Dramaturg: Roger Robinson

2002-06-06 23:57:56