The Young Vic's production of Aimé Césaire's play 'A Season
in the Congo' is a show to be seen this summer. The acting by Chiwetel Ejiofor
as the Congolese Prime Minister Patrice Lumumber was superb as he portrayed a
character dealing with a dictatorship from the Belgian government with such
sincerity that I found this to be highly emotive and poignant at points
throughout the play. I thought that the work and performance by Kabongo
Tshiense as Likembe Player was extraordinary as he spoke in the native Congolese
language throughout the entire production which makes me understand how much
time he has taken to fully embody this character to the highest quality
possible. Absolutely wonderful to witness and his character exuded comedy
throughout his performance. I thought
that the performances by all the company were superb and highly believable
especially English actors portraying Congolese people. In addition I found the use of puppetry to
convey the government figures in a grotesque way was highly amusing as I was
able to understand the playwrights political context that he was trying to
convey even further. I liked this feature very much and the wonderful work by
the company's Puppet Director Sarah Wright and beautifully crafted by Lyndie
Wright, Julia Jeulin and Rebekah Wild. The directing by Joe Wright was out of
this world as he ensured that he captured the essence of the Congolese way of
life throughout the difficult decade and I think that his research trip to the
Democratic Republic of the Congo was inspired. I liked how he worked with the
unconventional Young Vic proscenium arch format and the design by Lizzie
Clachan was very intriguing as I was sitting on an actual outdoor seat rather
than a general theatre seat. I liked the
simplicity of the set but also the high edge detailing of the insight I
received of how Congo was like during their struggle of freedom. Black Theatre
has definitely found its place this summer in on and off West End theatre
work.
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