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*