play – The Cultural Exposé

What we’ve been up to… Tar Baby at The Vault Festival

Matilda — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 08:39:00 +0000

I don’t know about you, but I’m loving the conversation about race at the moment. Well, technically, I’m loving the way people are freaking out over Beyonce’s Formation video, in the same way they were freaking out about Dear White People two years ago, in the same way they were freaking out ten years ago when old Kanye said George Bush didn’t care about black people, during the live TV appeal for Hurricane Katrina victims. Speaking of: it’s funny how Queen Bey has brought us back to Katrina 11 years later, proving that the “conversation” is not only still important, but can’t be ignored – even if you dress it up in a glossy, expensive video.

In the case of Tar Baby, a one-woman show by New York comedienne Desiree Birch, the conversation masquerades as a carnival show. There’s music, games and of course, an elephant in the room. And for people uncomfortable with discussing racism, there’s also a false sense of security that allows Birch to address that metaphorical mammal head on by touching on slavery, capitalism, white privilege, black stereotypes, black female stereotypes, the faux pas of touching afro hair and the Black Lives Matter movement with little tact or remorse. But she’s so clever and witty about it, you can’t help but love her at the end. Or at least, I did. And I’ve got a couple of Race Cards to prove it.

@destheray is my new shero. Watched her one woman show @tarbabytheplay at the @vaultfestival tonight and all I can say is COT DAMN… She went in! #race #politics #humour #foodforthought

A photo posted by Matilda (@megerecooper) on Feb 14, 2016 at 3:38pm PST

Had dude picking rice to explain the history of slavery and the birth of capitalism. PICKING RICE. @tarbabytheplay

A photo posted by Matilda (@megerecooper) on Feb 14, 2016 at 3:40pm PST

Post show mementos #mightjustusethese #race #politics #humour #foodforthought @tarbabytheplay

A photo posted by Matilda (@megerecooper) on Feb 14, 2016 at 3:42pm PST

It’s just a pity last night was the final show at The Vault Festival. I don’t know if Tar Baby is coming back to London, but I know it needs to. This satirical commentary on racism is just what we need right now, because it’s got the guts to make sure we’re all just that little bit more informed about racism, in case we didn’t get the memo.

For more deets, check out www.tarbabytheplay.com.

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Somewhere you should go… 5 best alternative theatre venues in London

Jane Duru — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 10:00:14 +0000

For many, a Friday night spent at the theatre isn’t the first choice. Or second, or third. At one end of the spectrum, it’s seen as elitist and expensive – something for only the upper echelons of polite society. At the other, its remit belongs to the realm of cheesy musicals and raucous pantomime. But despite the existence of both these sorts of theatre in the capital, there are plenty of accessible alternatives that won’t cost you a small fortune, nor leave you hoarse from all that singing along. Check out the following quirky theatre alternatives:

Soho Theatre

It’s in the middle of theatreland but worry not, this is a little gem of venue. Productions can be thought-provoking and high-minded such as Inua Ellams’ Untitled, but there’s lots of room for more lighthearted fare too, as the venue plays host to some of comedy’s brightest sparks. On the bill this autumn, acts include Edinburgh Fringe favourite Josie Long and the up-and-coming Sara Pascoe. 21 Dean Street, London, W1D 3NE. www.sohotheatre.com

Southwark Playhouse

The Southwark Playhouse’s inauspicious setting behind a pub in London Bridge belies its reputation for producing excellent theatre. Blending the traditional and the modern with its repertoire, this season alone will see Chekhov (The Seagull) and Chaucer (Canterbury Tales) as well as a host of modern plays, on stage. Catch it while you still can though – the theatre will be shuttering the doors of the current venue at the end of 2012. Lets hope its new home is matches the standard set within. Shipwright Yard, Corner of Tooley St and Bermondsey St, London, SE1 2TF. southwarkplayhouse.co.uk

Old Vic tunnels

Taken over by the Old Vic theatre in 2010, these tunnels under the streets of Waterloo are home to some of the most adventurous theatre productions in London, including last year’s well-received Minotaur. It’s not only plays that are put on: coming up is a celebration of Halloween with the Zombie Horror Camp – make voodoo dolls or simply dance at the Zombie Disco. Dank and atmospheric, the tunnels will only heighten the mood. Station Approach Road , London SE1 8SW. oldvictunnels.com

Pleasance Theatre

Another comedy-slash-theatre spot, the Pleasance is the real deal. Edinburgh Festival goers will be wholly familiar with the name, as it’s one of the biggest venues for comedy during the festival. The theatre is tucked away in a little-known part of Islington, and hosts productions by new writers, comedy work in progress shows and fringe successes that have transferred down south. Check out the website for autumn’s highlights. Carpenters Mews, North Road, N7 9EF. www.pleasance.co.uk

Arcola Theatre

Despite having moved to a shiny new home on Ashwin St in early 2011, the Arcola in Hackney has lost none of its artistic edge. This is fringe theatre at best, where experimental productions such as the forthcoming Things Beginning with M find an audience willing to take a punt, new writers’ voices are welcome, and where the local creative community, young or old, can engage with the many programmes on offer. 24 Ashwin Street, Dalston, London, E8 3DL. www.arcolatheatre.com

Do you know of any great alternative theatre venues in London? Leave your ideas in the comments section below!

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Something you should see… Casablanca: The Gin Joint Cut

Jane Duru — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 10:00:59 +0000

How do you stage one of the greatest films of all time? Spoof it, of course. That seems to work for Gilded Balloon, in their comedic production of Casablanca. A three-strong cast take up the iconic roles of Rick Blaine, Ilsa Lund and Victor Laszlo, in a faithful retelling of the classic love triangle, played out against the backdrop of Morocco during the Second World War. Casablanca is a seedy little bed of corruption and Rick’s bar the hangout of choice for its lowlife denizens, corrupt officials and emigres desperate to flee this purgatory. When two hard-to-get exit visas come into Rick’s possession at the same time, Ilsa, his ex-lover, walks back into his life with her husband, and he’s forced to make a choice between his old life and the possibility of a new one.

Gavin Mitchell gives an especially good turn as Rick, down to the characteristic drawl and seen-it-all eyes; in fact, there are strong performances from all three actors, but that’s where the respectful homage ends. Director Morag Fullerton has distilled the story into key vignettes that will be familiar to anyone who’s seen the film, but she leavens the love story with such a fun-loving combination of slapstick, audience participation and sporadic tap-dancing that this is one production you don’t dare take seriously, and it is all the better for it. Besides playing the main protagonists, each actor has another three or four characters to inhabit. Clare Waugh evades all danger of ever being pigeon-holed, going from doe-eyed love interest Ilsa to hateful Nazi Major Strasser in the swish of a swift costume change, whilst Jimmy Chisolm’s camp Captain Renault is quite possibly the comedic star of the show. The ‘battle of the anthems’ scene is a highlight (a tip: brush up on your French).

Casablanca: The Gin Joint Cut manages to take a movie classic, inject it with just enough irreverence to make it a thoroughly enjoyable romp, whilst retaining just enough respect to make you want to watch the original all over again.

Casablanca: The Gin Joint Cut runs until October 21 at the Pleasance Theatre, Carpenters Mews, North Road, N7 9EF. For more info visit www.pleasance.co.uk

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Somewhere you should go… Afrovibes Festival 2012

Jane Duru — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 10:00:07 +0000

October seems to be rivalling the summer months for arts festivals this year, with what seems like a dozen film festivals, a restaurant festival and photography festival taking place this month – but if you want to get all of your culture fixes in one place, there’s only one place to go – the Afrovibes festival in South and East London.

This Dutch festival celebrating all things South African, comes to London, before touring around the rest of the UK – and it seems fitting that the migratory event is happening during Black History Month. Taking place at Stratford Circus and The Albany in Deptford, the aim is to show something of contemporary SA beyond a reputation for crime and a predilection for vuvuzelas. The centre of the action will be at the Township Café, where you’ll find an eclectic and thought-provoking roster of activities. There’ll be new music from Soweto Kinch and the Sibikwa African Orchestra, several South African plays showing fresh from the Edinburgh festival (plus the opportunity to meet the cast and crew afterwards), as well as a photography exhibition focusing on the legacy of apartheid. Also on offer throughout the week is a smorgasbord in the way of authentic food, short films, poetry, dance, pre-show talks and late night debates. So whatever your cultural bag, you’re sure to find something to take your fancy. (Words: Jane Duru)

The Afrovibes Festival runs until October 7th at The Albany, Douglas Way Deptford, SE8 4AG and Stratford Circus, Theatre Square, E15 1BX. For more info, visit www.afrovibes2012.co.uk

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Something you should see… The Suit

Jane Duru — Mon, 28 May 2012 10:00:27 +0000

Living in London, it’s rare that you feel you’re missing out. Occasionally, you may just wish you were somewhere else, like when your favourite band is on a tour that forgot to include the capital, or when there’s a world-class exhibition happening on the other side of the Atlantic which has no intention of transferring. Thankfully, that feeling is rare; indeed the mountain comes to Mohammed quite a lot.

That’s especially true with theatre: case in point – The Suit. After receiving rave reviews for its run in Paris’s Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord, acclaimed theatre director Peter Brooks is bringing his highly anticipated musical version of Can Themba’s short story to be performed at Young Vic as part of the World Stages season.

Set against the backdrop of apartheid in 1950s South Africa, The Suit revolves around the story of a young man who finds his wife in bed with her lover. The lover flees, leaving behind only his suit but instead of inflicting a normal punishment, the husband decides upon an unusual course of revenge; the suit must be treated as if it were an honoured guest – taken for walks, fed at the dinner table, entertained. Its presence serves as a daily reminder of the wife’s betrayal and shame, but the outcome of this treatment is one that will have the audience questioning sacred notions of cruelty and oppression. Definitely one to watch. (Words: Jane Duru)

The Suit runs at the Young Vic, 26 May – 16 June. For more info: www.youngvic.org/whats-on/the-suit

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