REVIEWS REVIEWS
A crime described as trade is a good description of the story of this play. Everyone who sat in the audience left the theatre feeling disgusted with what had gone on to make money during the late 1700s. We see a mixed up story line featuring the main characters in the events that lead up to the eventual abolition of the slave trade in the British Isles. Parliament was reluctant to pass the law that would do away with this revulsion, reflected in man's attitude to making money. Some well known names and organisations were associated with the money behind the trade no one escaped blame.
So what of this play by Murray Watts, a man who knows Africa well. The cast are African except for the one white player. Cross character is practiced throughout the unfolding of the story, which once you get used to this approach works well. As with history the tale takes a long time to tell, but it is worth its telling.
Roger Alborough takes the on stage character of the sea captain turned preacher John Newton, who eventually sees the “Amazing Grace” of putting things right. Chris Jack takes on the monumental role of William Wilberforce, whilst Israel Oyelumade is Olaudah Equiano, the slave who bought his freedom for forty pounds, educated himself and wrote an autobiography of his life. All these characters are merged to bring forth the conclusion of the abolition of the slave trade, helped by Mensah Bediako, Antonia Kemi Coker, Emmanuella Cole, Rex Obano and Kenny Thompson. All on stage show their talents to the full.
An interesting set, designed by Sean Cavanagh, shows the audience life on board ship and the darker side of the life of the times. This enables Paul Burbridge to get the full feelings of the time from the actors.
Everyone went home with many thoughts in their mind, whether layman or priest. A thought provoking, uncomfortable night of theatre, that got its point home. © BA
“African Snow” is at York from the 30th March to the 21st April, 2007. This is a No Smoking theatre. Council car parking charge £2 visitor and £1 resident from 6pm until Midnight.
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