Africa called. It called beautifully and honestly in the show ‘Africa Calling’ by Grassroots Theatre Company. Using music and dance as a way to empower communities in Zimbabwe and beyond, there is passion and integrity in all aspects of this performance.
The show is composed of scenes exploring the identity and culture of the dancers - dressed in striking African costume - interposed with traditional music and movement. The performers were exquisite and their dancing was flawless, with beautiful a cappella music soaring through the studio. The staging is simple, with a backdrop showing an African vista giving a sense of the scenery of the country, although the amateur nature of this drawing jarred with the professionalism of the performance and felt out of place. The fragments of text also felt superfluous at points; some were funny and endearing yet somehow they didn’t stand up to the other elements of the show. More trust in the eloquence of the music and dance would have been appreciated.
This show’s theme communicated that although the performers may be from different parts of Africa they are all African and that ‘though we are many we are one’. A lovely sentiment, I wanted to feel included in this universal “one” yet somehow I couldn’t help feeling a little removed from the action. This could have been due to the cool wash of lighting throughout which directly contrasted with the warmth of the performers and their infectious smiles.
Definitely worth a watch, Africa Calling is a splendid display of beauty and skill.
