GONE TOO FAR! To 17 February.
London
GONE TOO FAR!
by Bola Agbaje
Royal Court (Jerwood Theatre Upstairs) To 17 February 2007
Mon – Sat 7.45pm Mat Sat 3pm
BSL Signed 8 Feb
Runs 1hr 30min No interval
TICKETS: 0207 565 5000
www.royalcourttheatre.com
Review: Harriet Davis 7th February
A heartfelt if flawed first effort from joint-winner of The Royal Court Young Writers’ Competition, Bola Agbaje.
Steeped in South London youth culture, 16-year old Yemi is grappling to come to terms with the arrival of his older brother, Nigerian-born Ikudayisi. The tension mounts as a seemingly innocent trip to the shops escalates into a series of race-fuelled confrontations. Particularly fearsome is the aptly-named Armani, a loudmouthed, calculating troublemaker of an otherwise well-meaning (if misguided) gang of youths.
Despite occasional flashes of insight, Agbaje’s cultural observations seem to come all too easily. Inevitably conflicts will arise between ethnic groups – not least those of the hoodie-wearing persuasion – and, as Agbaje rightly suggests, policemen often are tainted by xenophobia; but these observations are neither profound nor especially surprising. Agbaje’s script merely skims the surface, and this is a subject that has been tackled countless times over recent years.
The problem lies not with the central narrative, which in itself is fine; but with those largely redundant scenes which serve as little more than a reinforcement of theme. Not only do they feel contrived, they slow us down. They also compromise the integrity of the action. It seems unlikely that Yemi should encounter quite such a barrage of resistance from anonymous policemen, suspicious pensioners and shopkeepers alike; these characters (or rather, caricatures) are clearly mouthpieces for the author.
Having said this, Yemi and Ikudayisi’s relationship is nicely drawn, and for the most part believable. The young cast do well, and seem to settle into their roles as the play progresses. Marcus Onilude (Blazer) is particularly noteworthy, as is Zawe Ashton’s Armani, who is by far the most convincing.
Overall, it has an amiable feel. Bijan Sheibani’s direction is fair, if at times lacking in conviction. The choice of venue is sound, the setting appropriate and the scene changes pleasantly diverting. A little more scope, and perhaps a little bravery would elevate this piece; but it marks a promising start for Agbaje nonetheless.
Armani: Zawe Ashton
Yemi: Tobi Bakare
Old Lady: Maria Charles
Razor: Ashley Chin
Policeman 2: Phillip Edgerley
Shopkeeper / Policeman: Munir Khairdin
Ikudayisi: Tunji Lucas
Flamer: Ricci McLeod
Mum / Paris: Bunmi Mojekwu
Blazor: Marcus Onilude
Director: Bijan Sheibani
Designer: James Cotterill
Lighting: Nicki Brown
Sound: Emma Laxton
Choreographer: Aline David
Costume: Jackie Orton
Assistant director: Laura McCluskey
2007-02-08 15:12:00