THEATRE REVIEWS

When the hypnotic music starts you want to dance. Eight figures clad in white enter the stage and take up their instruments, to your left keyboards, guitars and vocals and to your right the rhythm section of drums and guitar. Led by a tall figure in dark shades called RAM they start to play. They are joined by dancers who writhe to the compelling sounds that start to tell the story of the Vodou Nation. This is the history of the Caribbean country of Haiti, which has had a troubled journey through the years. Its original inhabitants were killed during the colonial period and replaced by slaves from Africa. In 1804 a rebellion ended the colonial rule and the first independent black republic was created. Since then its people have endured poor leadership and many have left to be rid of the oppression. This is the story of that journey through time.

It needs photographs to show the visual effect of what was appearing on stage, but alas non were sent from the theatre. However, here is an attempt to describe what was experienced at West Yorkshire Playhouse. The ever changing backdrop of superb artwork was only marred by the fuzzy image of the photographs and text, but this did not detract from the overall effect. Direction and design was by Brett Bailey, who wrote the stage play after visiting Haiti at the invitation of Producer Jan Ryan. This was a gelling of ideas which culminated in this superb piece of theatre. You need to go and see this musical experience if it comes your way. This will surely end up in London when the provinces have had their fill.

RAM and his musicians are the stars of the show. The captivating beat carries you along from song to song, seventeen in all, and when they have finished they come back and give you more. Probably the hit number of the show is "Boat People Blues" which is backed up with a great visual interpretation by the stage performers. All the musical numbers were written by Richard Morse who is on stage fronting RAM, behind the shades. The performers brought to life the choreography of Carol La Chapelle as she goes through the historical plot. The lighting Design by Malcolm Rippeth is just right and the sound design by Mic Pool and Glen Massam hits the right pitch. Even the programme is right, well laid out and it told you everything you needed to know about the cultural history of Haiti and the company. Everything about this show is theatrically right and helps to add to a most enjoyable experience.

Comments from people leaving the theatre leave you in no doubt about how they feel about this unique coming together of music, dance and history. This is the magic that the theatre needs. One word used was fantastic. This was a unique musical experience. © BA

“Vodou Nation” is in Leeds on the 1st June, 2004 to the 27th June, 2004 and then touring.