'Les Blancs' National Theatre, Olivier *****

I have been critiquing theatre for some time now, and I am always jubilant when productions are of the perfect standard where an illustrious theatre becomes daring enough to present a play that hasn’t been performed in such a long time. The National Theatre’s production of Lorrain Hansberry’s play, ‘Les Blancs’ which was polished up by her ex-spouse, Robert Nemiroff is a phenomenally compelling show on how a nation is desperate to gain its independence, to boot, the representations were world class.

‘Les Blancs’ is set in a non-existent African territory where we’re habituated with American journalist, Charlie Martin who drops anchor with his camera and notebook in hand, but he soon finds out that he has arrived in a place where racism and political contention are at the forefront of such conflict. Due to the rising tautness the locals only use the mission for medical purposes only which is making it hard for Dr Willy Dekoven (James Fleet) and Dr Martha Gotterling (Anna Madeley) and they inform Charlie on what pressure they are under. One of the significant factors for this clash is the fierce and racist, Major George Rice (Clive Francis) who uses his power by terrorising the Africans with a whip and this is evidenced when he drags a bloodied person on a chain which in turn horrifies Charlie wholeheartedly. Over the course of the performance, another element to the entire scenario is when African born, Tshembe Moteshe returns to his homeland because of the demise of his father and attends his funeral, nonetheless he is rather stunned to find that his family are at war with one another and that the place is like a battleground. Tshembe’s brother, Abioseh (Gary Beadle) who has become a Catholic priest and for Tshembe this is a huge aggravation for him, in addition to this, he is not pleased with the impeding terrorist activity that could instigate a war against the whites and blacks. His younger half-brother, Eric (Tunji Kasim) who is mixed-race and as such; his is in a precarious situation due to the fact that his skin colour he could be an easy target, moreover, Tshembe realises that something must be done but is finding it tough to work on a plan to sort this out.  Throughout the pressure intensifies for both Charlie and Tshembe as they’re witnessing the destruction of this land and when the radical terrorist group begins to unleash their attacks on the whites which is particularly distressing for Madame Neilsen who has lived there for the majority of her life and is in fear that she’ll be evicted from her own home.  In order to rescue Eric from getting into wrong crowd, Tshembe thinks that it is essential that he joins his in Europe with his wife and children in the hope that this will improve Eric’s life. The division between the whites and blacks are gargantuan where the blacks want more control and the whites decide to leave the un-named location, yet, Madame Neilsen declares that she’ll be staying as this is her home. At the finale, there’s a tender moment with Tshembe and Madame Neilsen as it depicts that that not all whites and blacks hate one another and at times, you simply have to leave a country to its own devices to escape a possible war. Hansberry and Nemiroff’s narrative is sensational as you can see how a nation is determined to regain its control  and power , and the pure racial disgust from some people  have no understanding of what is creating a large wedge and the viewpoints of a journalist and a local who has decisions to make.

One found the performances by the company of, ‘Les Blancs’ to be categorically remarkable as we can observe how they have interpreted the friction that is building between the opposing cultures and colours of skin which is one of the central factors of harsh realities of  life in a world where acceptance is unimaginable.  Elliot Cowan is champion as visiting journalist, Charlie Morris; especially how we see that he has a hefty task ahead of him by the fact that he has to try and forget his own opinions and work on balancing an equal argument for his articles, on the other hand, this proves a challenge when he despises the racist language and behaviour from Major George Rice and this suggests that he has a conscience.  Danny Sapani is priceless as African, Tshembe Matoseh; chiefly the way in which he is perplexed to find that his place of birth has become a shambles and there is a somewhat battle between the Matoseh brothers, but they comprehend  that because of Eric they need to forget their differences as their half-brother is at risk of death. Sian Phillips is transcendent as the older woman, Madame Neilsen; mostly what a change it is for her to be living in such a hard and dangerous situation, however, she is one of the only ones which actually encapsulate the small element of humour in the show.

Yaël Farber’s direction is atmospheric here as she has allowed us to process through the information about how this place in Africa has become the combat zone that it has become; also we can see that people from the different sides want power and this can only be done through a warlike which really does not help the situation at all. Soutra Gilmour’s design is flawless as we are really engrossed into the harsh place that is overbearing through the racial loathing from both side of the trenches, furthermore, the scenic art and construction is elegant through to Tim Lutkin’s dreamy lighting and Adam Cork’s misty music and sound design. Overall, the experience of, ‘Les Blancs’ was honestly extraordinary and the aroma of the smoky atmosphere really helped make this show a delight and all aspects were second to none.