The
reputation of Chickenshed Productions precedes it throughout the UK
as the first truly inclusive theatre company they accept anyone and
utilise the individual’s strengths.
"As the mother of a brown
boy…." is about the life and tragic death of a 19-year-old
mixed race boy. It is told simultaneously through the eyes of his
mother and by voiceovers of the coroner at his inquest. It is a
multi level performance utilising dance, live music, songs, rap,
gymnastics, theatre, mime and a variety of multimedia presentations.
There is so much going on that there are occasions you don’t quite
know where to look.
This
theatrical experience is mesmerising from start to finish, it
carries you along like a tidal wave of emotions. It sweeps you up to
great highs then down to the deepest depths whilst making you laugh
and then cry. It is not
only a superb theatre performance but also a statement about life
today.
This
amazing cast are; Philip Constantinou, Natsai Gurupira, Dominic
Garfield, Loren Jacobs, Mark Lees, Gavin May, Christine Niering,
Belinda Sharer, Robin Shillinglaw, Rachel Yates, Dina Williams,
Belinda McGurik and Mekbul Jemal Tahir.
Crew and musicians Mandeep Kaur Aujla, Dean Boddington, Saul
Gillingham, Simon Cooper, Andrew Caddies, Joseph Morton, Paul
Knowles, Graham Hollick, Mark Ryan, Yvonne Van Baardwijk, David
Carey, Iain Whitmore and Sarah Wilson. Each member an integral part
of the overall production.
I
discovered after the show that it is not only based on fact but that
the boy was a member of Chickenshed and known by many members of the
company. Not only that but that his aunt helped with the writing of
the show and is one of the cast members.
This
is the most wonderful and emotional show I have seen this fringe, it
moved me so much I wanted to give it 10 stars.
*****
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