WHITE FOLKS: Shell, Henry, Jenkins: Pleasance London, Till 7 July
WHITE FOLKS: A Musical Fable
Created & Produced by Ray Shell, Dollie Henry, Paul Jenkins
Presented by WFC Productions Ltd in association with Carlin Music
with The Pleasance Theatre Festival
Pleasance Theatre, Carpenter Mews, North Road, London, N7 9EF
1 June - 7 July 02
2 hours, including one interval 20 minutes
Box Office: 020 7609 1800: info www.pleasance.co.uk
Review: Peter Kinsey, 11th June 2002
The Rules of the Game are Love not War: plenty to think about, powerful, energetic but I felt left out, nevertheless.
Seven biblical characters (The Icons) are brought together by their unseen God to examine their lives, be judged and bear witness to the results of their actions. As they tell their stories they are surrounded by a chorus of various angelic forces (The Heavenly Hosts, Angels that fly and Herald Angels).
This is an energetic musical with powerful and worthwhile themes, but, despite its sharp direction, exciting choreography and vibrant musical numbers, it does not entirely engage.
The problem (for me at least) lies in the manner of storytelling. The various characters tell each other their stories through debate, occasionally illustrated by themselves and the angel chorus. While this approach, with its emphasis on words, makes for a clear and honest understanding of the argument, I longed for more dramatic re-enactment throughout to draw me in.
This proves especially disappointing in the climactic number, WITNESS. Here the Herald Angels chain up the Icons and call upon them (and us) to witness the state of the world, but the stage is empty: we I need some strong visual encouragement. It does come as a final image after the show has finished - in the form of the twisted girders of the twin towers lowered onto the set, but by then it is too late.
If I was not drawn in by this style of presentation the same cannot be said for other aspects of the show. The performers, without exception, form a lively and confident company, committed, not just to playing well with each other, but also to the piece itself. Individual characterisations of the Icons are well drawn: a neanderthal Adam easily matched by a seductive Eve; an irascible Noah and his down-to-earth wife; a movingly crazed Moses with his protective partner; and a fierce, practical Mrs. Abraham, still in love with a long absent, unfaithful, husband.
Musically, there are plenty of treats, ranging from the romantic RULES OF THE GAME, through the reflective ABRAHAM to the raucous and bouncy ON A BOAT. Vocally, too, there are enjoyable performances, especially from the Herald Angels. Here Donovan Blackwood, in particular, provides a strong, relaxed and warm singing presence.
Cast
The Icons
Adam: Stephen Dean
Eve: Carryl Thomas
Noah: Trevor A. Toussaint
Mrs. Noah: Ayo-Dele Ajana
Mrs Abraham: Maureen Purkis
Moses: Joerg Stadler
Mrs Moses: Denise Kennedy
The Heavenly Hosts
DJ: John Adeleyw
Gabriel: Anthony Moriah
Angels that fly
Angel of Light: Emma de Vees
Angel of Hope: Ali Makinen
Angel of Peace: Maria Paggetti
Angel of War: Claire Walters
Angel of Mercy: Gavin Eden
Angel of Prophesy: Peter McPheerson
Herald Angels
Donovan Blackwood
Ricci Benson
Chardel Rhoden
Directors: Ray Shell, Dollie Henry
Musical Director: Paul Jenkins
Choreographer: Dollie Henry
Set: Christopher Richardson
Costume: Tilly Colaco & Carolyn Wilson
Lighting: Matt Britton
Sound: Nicky Matthews
2002-06-17 20:56:31