|
|
 |
| |
Young Generations dance to beat of grief
GENERATIONS
The Young Vic
THE Old Vic’s spruced-up younger sibling is full of heart and despite the sentiment of grief and mourning contained in the show, it drums a healthy beat.
It seems a shame to spoil the surprise of entering the theatre-in-the-round, which is actually more like a square – vibrant with evocative South African harmonies, soaring melodies and searing rhythms.
The floor is rich red sand, as vivid and natural as the seemingly effortless vocals that flow from the 14-strong South African choir.
Led by the widely-acclaimed opera singer, Pauline Malefane, the choir challenge the stoic crowd to lose themselves.
Michelle Austin, as the mother, cooks rice and onion in her kitchen in the centre of a sunken stage, surrounded by her family (the immensely experienced Nomhle Nkonyeni, as the grandmother, and Louis Mahoney, as the grandfather, her two daughters and her husband, Sello Maake Ka-Ncube).
The family’s competitive banter is poetic and becomes progressively more repetitive until it becomes part of the opera.
One-by-one the actors move off the stage and join the choir, leaving just the grandparents in devastation.
It is only on reading the programme that it becomes clear that writer Debbie Tucker Green is killing off her characters with Aids.
A triumphant and unique example of modern performance art contained in 30 minutes.
Until Mar 10
020 7922 2922
|
 |
Check Prices, Availability & Book Online
Receive Online Discounts and Instant Confirmation |
|
|
|
