The Lion and the Jewel. To 17 November.
Birmingham.
THE LION AND THE JEWEL
by Wole Soyinka.
Barbican Theatre to 8 October then tour to 17 November 2005.
Co-Produced by Collective Artistes, The Young Vic and Bite:05 as part of Young Genius.
Runs2hr 30min.
Review: Jan Pick: 21 Sept at Birmingham Repertory Theatre.
The lion roars.
Funny, noisily exuberant, rhythmic and a good story, The Lion and the Jewel, an early work by Wole Soyinka, provides a great evening out. The play, written by Soyinka almost fifty years ago when he was only 23, is part of a season celebrating Young Genius. It has certainly stood the test of time.
The story focuses on Sidi, a beautiful young village girl, and her two suitors, the young pretentious teacher, Lakunle, desperate to be rid of his cultural baggage and be modern' and the old, but strong and wily village leader, hoping to renew his energy and prestige by marrying a young wife.
When Sidi's photograph appears in a glossy magazine she becomes even more alluring, but, unfortunately for them, in excited celebration of her own beauty, she scorns both. However, neither is prepared to give her up and battle' commences.
Whilst the play examines how Nigerian tribal tradition and customs cope with the impact and challenge of Western culture, its main aim is to be great entertainment and it succeeds. Soyinka combines African street theatre, using dance and mime to comment on events, with the drama of Sidi and her suitors told with great humour and wisdom.
Working on a simple double circular set, beautifully lit to suggest the village, the talented ensemble reach out and draw the audience into their world for a magical two and a half hours; we leave invigorated, with a greater understanding of African theatre and, most importantly, with a smile on our faces.
Lakunle: Anthony Ofoegbu.
Sidi the village Belle: Omonor Imobhio.
1st Girl: Chloe Okora.
2nd Girl: Mercy Ojelade.
3rd Girl: Natasha Bain.
Baroka the Bale' of Ilujinle: Toyin Oshinaike.
Sadiku his head wife: Shola Benjamin.
Wrestler: Ombo Gogo Ombo.
Favourite: Louisa Eyo.
Ensemble: Mohammed Dordoh.
Chomba Njeru.
Antoinette Tagoe.
Isioma Williams.
Percussion: Ayanlere Alamu Alajede.
(attendant/main drummer).
Yaw Asumadu.
Director: Chuck Mike.
Designer: Atlanta Duffy.
Lighting: Catriona Silver.
Composer: Juwon Ogungbe.
Choreographer: Koffi Kôkô.
Voice coach: Jane Elson.
Fight director: Terry King.
Assistant director: Patricia Davenport
2005-09-26 10:47:15