drum
★★★★
Drums, written by Jacob Roberts-Mensah, is about the relationship between Ghanaian photographer James Varner (played by Roberts-Mensah) and fellow Ghanaian BBC DJ Mike Egan (played by King Boateng). It is. The two met in London in the 1960s, at a time when Egan’s music programs, which featured a lot of Ghanaian music, were attracting attention and increasing public interest in world music. Berner was instructed to take a photo for the South African magazine Drum. He visits Egan at the BBC’s offices, and the play imagines what happened next.
This entertaining theater production is a fun and lively celebration of Ghanaian culture and music. Roberts-Mensah is particularly charming as Varner. He oozes charisma and sass, and the dialogue between the two characters is full of wit and humour. Boateng also plays Egan with strength and intelligence, especially in scenes where he talks about Ghanaian politics.
The characters playfully discuss Ghanaian music and culture, debate politics, and discuss the nature of success and the impact of life as immigrants in London. The dynamic movement and playful choreography of the fantastical scene in which the two dance together reflects Sarah Amankwah’s strong direction. Their exuberance and joy is completely contagious and leaves the audience grinning from ear to ear.
The plot of the play is somewhat superficial, with no major conflicts or pressing issues presented. Varner admonishes Egan about moving to London when he could do more for his country back home, and they also argue about politics.
Festival review: Edinburgh Festival Fringe, different venues
When they bring up the story of Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, it seems as if a deeper political conspiracy is at play, but they are simply discussing the intricacies of his presidency; It offers a different but equally valid point of view. It is interesting to see Robert Mensah deliver Nkrumah’s famous speech on Ghana’s Independence Day in 1957. The speech ended with the enthusiastic line, “Ghana is forever free!”
But whatever the play lacks in plot, it more than makes up for in entertaining showcases of Ghanaian culture and brilliant dialogue. This is a fun and engaging play with lots of humor and playful tension between the two characters. There’s a lot to enjoy about their story, and both actors give strong performances. Best of all, it is a wonderful depiction of Ghanaian culture and music.
Drums will be playing at Underbelly Cowgate until August 25th.
‘drum’. Image: Attached.
failed project
★★★★
The Failed Project, written and starring BAFTA nominee Yolanda Marcy, is a deeply funny, refreshingly honest play about failure, the challenges of being an artist, and hidden racism. Yolanda will play Ade Adeyami, who had a fringe hit with “Day Girl,” a play about scholarships to exclusive private schools. The film has just been picked up by a professional theater company, but they just want to replace her as an actor with an Instagram influencer with no acting experience because “she’s easier to relate to.” Ard is upset but tries to keep his big girl pants on without complaining.
She is also in a “relationship” with sexy, tattooed Marcus, who she says considers her a socialite. When she asked him why, he muttered cheerfully.
She is offered a position as a playwright’s assistant with a professional theater company, but when she pitches her idea about a black female scientist in space, the director tells her that she wants to write a “more up-to-date” story than he has heard in 12 years. I was told that it would be better. An elderly Nigerian man struggles to adjust to life in London due to language issues. “But do Nigerians speak English?” asks Ade.
Things start to unravel. The Instagram actor’s bad behavior sparks complaints online, and then Ade is sued by a woman who claims to be Marcus’ wife and mother of his children. Ade hides, seeking solace from her mischievous mother and the grave of her best friend Toby.
This warm and funny play, with bubbly characters and a cheerful plot, is well performed by Marcy, who has great presence, clear diction, and perfect comic timing. She writes with wry humor and lovely frankness and transparency, and despite the complexity of the plot, with its cast of thousands and all its intricate twists and turns, she manages to keep the audience engaged until the end. Continue. There’s a lot to like about this play. It’s a thought-provoking look at hidden racism and the pitfalls of the theater industry, but most importantly, it’s a celebration of resilience, family, and community.
The Failure Project runs until August 26th in the Anatomy Lecture Theater Summerhall.
