Left – Elijah Williams. Photo – Nick McKinlay
Black Jesus is a powerful piece of theatre that explores post-independent Zimbabwe and the personal and political aftermath of a so called revolution. It is bold and violent with extraordinary performances from both lead actors Belinda Jombwe-Cotterill and Elijah Williams. It is not just the physical force that Williams exudes that makes you shiver when you see him, it is his eyes. You wholeheartedly believe in the hope that the vulnerable yet unbreakable in Jombwe-Cotterill has for her country. These two were captivating to say the least. It was their story and they told it convincingly Jarrod Crellin as Rob Palmer and Dorian Nkono as Endurance Mayo also played their parts extraordinarily well.
The underlying theme of the play is that no-one is all good or all bad; those who we view as monsters have kindness within them and those who are angels can also play the devil.
This idea was illustrated clearly through Williams character Gabriel Chibamu. His dark journey is broken up by his humanity and it is always confronting when you begin to sympathise with someone who you know has done terrible things. Crellin’s character Rob Palmer and Jombwe-Cotterill’s Eunice Ncube also display this contradiction but in a subtler way. We have to look harder to see the dichotomy in Nkono’s Endurance Mayo. The dialogue is robust and weighted with emotion but the use of movement and music during scene changes create a breathing space to break up the tension.
Black Jesus is an edifying experience whether you know a little or a lot about Zimbabwe and its history. If you are a complete novice it is worth a brief google or at least read the program before the show. If you go in with questions be prepared to leave with a hundred more. It is important that as humans we don’t forget our history and Black Jesus does an excellent job of confronting us with the brutality of the past but leaves you with the taste of hope for the future.
bAKEHOUSE Theatre Company presents
BLACK JESUS
by Anders Lustgarten
Director Suzanne Millar
Venue: Kings Cross Theatre | Level 2, Kings Cross Hotel, 244-248 William St, Kings Cross NSW
Dates: 29 April - 21 May 2016
Tickets: $32 – $27
Bookings: www.kingsxtheatre.com
Sydney Reviews
Black Jesus | bAKEHOUSE
- Details
- Emily Shaddick
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