The Scottsboro Boys

The Scottsboro Boys played the autumn season of the Young Vic last year. Directed and choreographed by the five time Tony Award winner Susan Stroman and with a Kander and Ebb score, this production tells the true story of nine black teenagers upon a train in Scottsboro, Alabama, who were unfairly tried for the rape of two white women in 1931. As an almost all black cast, it presents the characters as sometimes portraying white men and women interestingly.

Kyle Scatliffe's portrayal of the leader of the nine boys, Haywood Patterson, was outstanding. His presence makes him the obvious leader as he towers over the rest of the cast and his big voice matches his body. However, it also has a soothing quality especially on the ballad 'Go Back Home.' It is understandable that he is now playing Enjolras on the newly revived production of Les Miserables.

The show had a mixture of performers from the original Broadway production - which was short lived - and newcomers to the roles. However they all performed well as a unit and this did not show to be an obstacle to their ability as a unit.

The set design by Beowulf Boritt was minimal, but the predominant setting of a prison cell made this a suitable choice and you it highlighted the cold, empty quality on the stage.

This was an incredible and thought-provoking piece of theatre. I can possibly see why it did not last long on Broadway as sometimes the line between humour and drama was too thin in this sombre story. However, it should be given credit for the memorable score from Kander and Ebb and the incredible acting within it.

Georgia Goody-Miceli

3.5*

A Season In The Congo

Whilst browsing for new productions to see, I came across Aime Cesaire's A Season in the Congo directed by Joe Wright which was on at the Young Vic.

I had no previous knowledge about the production, only that it was about the '1960 Congo rebellion and the assassination of the political leader Patrice Lumumba.'

Patrice Lumumba, played by Olivier award winner Chiwetel Ejiofor, was the first democratically elected leader of the Congo. Ejiofor's portrayal was electrifying and showed the different stages of his political rise and eventual demise. His good intentions were manifested with his heightened power, determination and eventual defeat. It is of no surprise that he has gone on to win a Bafta this year.

The character of Mokutu was cleverly written as we follow his change of persona as his power increases. A timid, then uncomfortably sinister portrayal by the incredible Daniel Kaluuya ensures that the audience feels this shift massively. The ending of the play renders the audience speechless and we have Kaluuya's cold hearted Mokutu to thank.

Lizzie Clachan's set design made full use of the somewhat small space provided and used many levels in which the drama unfolded. The first few rows were set out with tables and were an extension of the set, making the audience feel like they are part of the action.

A superbly written and directed piece of theatre which uses several mediums and languages to make the audience question the line between morality and justice. The movie is in development which I thoroughly hope has the same vigor as this production.

Georgia Goody-Miceli

5*