IN THE RED AND BROWN WATER. To 8 November.
London.
IN THE RED AND BROWN WATER
by Tarell Alvin McCraney
Young Vic Theatre 66 The Cut SE1 8LZ To 8 November 2008.
Mon-Sat 7.30pm Mat Wed & Sat 2.30pm.
Runs 1hr 55 min One interval.
TICKETS: 020 7922 2922.
www.youngvictheatre.org
Review: Carole Woddis, 13 October.
Spectacular set and production with fine performances in exciting new writer’s play.
Tarell Alvin McCraney is a man with a future - unlike the subject of In the Red and Brown Water, Oya, a young woman who just loves to run. Now much in demand on both sides of the Atlantic, McCraney is a rising young star, reflecting like August Wilson before him the untold stories of the lives of fellow Afro-Americans. However, he goes further than his illustrious predecessor in showing the influence of African roots, especially Yoruba, on black American culture.
A sequel to The Brothers Size (just revived at the Young Vic and currently touring), which centred on brothers Ogun and Oshoosi, In the Red and Brown Water takes up the female perspective with the story of Ogun’s past girlfriend Oya – “Beautiful fast Oya”, “Sweet, sad Oya. Beautiful girl.”
In a stunningly physical production from young German director Walter Meierjohann (now a Young Vic associate), this version will always be remembered for its setting – Miriam Buether’s dark water covering the whole stage through which the cast splash and toil as Oya’s tragic tale is told. Think Hardy’s Tess of the D’Urbevilles translated to steamy Louisiana and you’ll get the content if not McCraney’s distinctive style – patois rich, poetically charged (very reminiscent of Lorca), often deeply funny.
A tale of youth, infertility (Lorca again) and how one talented young girl might have made it but stayed home to be with a dying mother, became hung up on a local stud, was discarded and wound up instead with solid, stammering Ogun, it’s not so much about lost opportunities as casual destruction.
Meierjohann, directing with broad, cartoon relish – and perhaps taking his cue from the play’s subtitle, `a fast and loose play’ – certainly captures the play’s volcanic energy. His production is never less than visually and musically gripping with New Orleans musician Abram Wilson’s trumpet and vocal riffs adding magical evocations. In a talented, exuberant cast including ex-So Solid Crew member Ashley Walters and a heart-stopping performance from Ony Uhiara as Oya, it’s a piece that will be admired by many though I feel we’ve yet to savour the full beauty of McCraney’s vibrant text.
Mama Moja/The Woman Who Reminds You: Adjoa Andoh.
Shun: Camilla Beeput.
NiaP Sheri-An Davis.
Elegba:John MacMillan.
Aunt Elegua: Cecilia Noble.
Ogun: Javone Prince.
The Man from State/O Li Roon: Paul Thornley.
Oya: Ony Uhiara.
Shango: Ashley Walters.
The Egungun: Abram Wilson.
Director: Walter Meierjohann.
Designer: Miriam Buether.
Lighting: Jean Kalman.
Sound: Fergus O’Hare.
Music: Abram Wilson.
Assistant director: Patrice Etienne.
2008-10-21 16:46:48