10 – 14 July

It’s not often we get to enjoy theatre from another culture in a way that replicates the experience of an audience in the original country. Making this possible for us are Imùlè Theatre who are exponents of ‘Agbo play’ from Sierra Leone. Agbo is an exuberant and multi-disciplinary art form which is geared to and encourages audience involvement. Thus singing and clapping all help to jolly along the performers who act, sing, dance and generally clown around in an infectious free-form style of theatre.

Sitting in a circle around the performance space the audience are invited to pick a card from a large straw basket. There are a set number of cards, each of which represents a different aspect of the actors’ lives. The scenes thus randomly created vary from the religious experience of colonised people to life in the market place. The title of the show is ironic, referring to the fact that much of traditional life and society was perceived as being frowned upon by the Anglican Church, leaving little but ‘native wit’.

What gives the show an added interest is that we have two perspectives; that of a native Sierra Leonean, Ayodele Scott, and his long-time friend, David Evans, whose experience as a white boy growing up in the country gives an often humorous take on local life. The title of one of the scenes, ‘Uncut’, for example, offers a comically frank take on the differing cultural attitudes to circumcision. It’s giggle-worthy and all done in the best possible taste.

Whilst the tone of the show is generally joyful there are hints of the dividing lines between the two boys. The black boy is not allowed to come into the house of the white boy to watch television, but must steal a view through a window. Nonetheless the shortish production (about an hour) is permeated by warmth and good humour and offers a glimpse into a still thriving culture.

★★★☆☆  Graham Wyles, 11 July 2024

Photo credit: Jack Willingham