Prince Oroonoko (Jerry Benzwick), left, comforts the dying General Akogun (Quinton Yearde) during the rehearsal of a scene from Aphra Behn's 'Oroonoko', the epic drama that has been adapted by Biyi Bandele.
Contributed photoOroonoko is heart-pounding action and bittersweet romance. Oroonoko is rich dialogue and ruthless double-crossing. Oroonoko is spirited acting and intriguing plot.
Oroonoko is Aphra Behn's 'true story' written in 1688 and set in Coramantien, Ghana. It is a classic story of royal Africa, its pride, religion and complexities juxtaposed against the horrors and intrigues of miserable slavery set in a merciless New World epitomised in Suriname. In Suriname the iron will of the Africans is challenged by the might of the white English slave traders.
Boasting a very commendable production, Oroonoko combines fast-paced, engaging scenes under masterful direction from Alwin Bully. The cast ensemble of young actors -- students of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts (EMCVPA) infused cohesive, convincing delivery, yet without over-acting, with spirited chanting in an African language. The commanding pounding of the African drums was the soundtrack to it all.
Idiosyncrasies
Our play chronicles the lives of a proud people living in Coramantien, their religion, traditions, individual tragic ends and the idiosyncrasies that govern their existence.
Prince Oroonoko (Jerry Benzwick) is a young, brave warrior who is heir to the throne and soon besotted with Princess Imoinda (Monique Ceasar). Among her attractions, is her "smile that rises like the sun on the misty wilderness of a warrior's night." Their Romeo and Juliet-like romance is soon thwarted by the lewd King Kabiyesi, who thinks "inserting his royal privilege into the comely virtue of a young maiden" might be just the thing to revive his reluctant manhood. His virgin of choice is the princess.
This sets the tone for action against wounded pride and even greater cruelties, where the evil and duplicitous Chief Orombo (Damion Radcliffe) reigns supreme.
But these problems soon fade into insignificance as the white slave-owners seek out a fresh stock of workers. From their proud heritage, our Africans are soon taken to Suriname and relegated to a ragged band of slaves, beaten into silence and patient drudgery, yet harbouring hopes of escape.
The supposedly attractive Princess Imoinda again becomes the inspiration of another triangle, for Governor Bryan (Kerry-Ann Wright) must have her as his mistress.
A tangle of emotions and consequent action overtake the band of slaves in Suriname: Prince Oroonoko must regain his princess from the lewd intent of Governor Bryan, while leading his people. Governor Bryan and Captain Stanmore (Andre Lewis) are insistent on keeping the slaves, submitting them to humiliating abuse. Ottman (Patrick Whildman), a slave, could be a spanner in the works as they plan to escape. Persons without the prior knowledge of the African religion, Yoruba, could be a little lost hearing of Oya, Oshun, Ogun and Shango, some of the gods.
Ambition
One of the better scenes was shown as a silhouette (using shadows on a white cloth) of the King's attempt to live his lascivious ambition with the princess.
Persons who will see the production should look for scenes where the sliding doors at the back of the theatre are opened to reveal the grounds of the Edna Manley College. This is used as a part of the setting. Very good.
It offers little by way of set, but the few props were used efficiently. Oroonoko scores high for the rich, authentic costuming of the actors. Though the plot is meaty and the scenes themselves tight, the production is a tad long -- over two hours. Though subtly coated in poetry, the language of Oroonoko is risqué, making it not recommended for minors.
It would have been pleasing to see more of the acting from Quinton Yearde, but his character, Akogun, soon meets a tragic end. Kerry-Ann Wright delivered well in her male role; she was a good actor. Monique Ceasar and Damion Radcliffe were the protagonists in 'End Game'; while not outstanding in this production, they were commendable.
It is a worthy production that should please patrons.
