A strong cast, lovely design and some African heat keep this Anansi revival from growing cold.Rating
The African sun is shining in the Unicorn Theatre this month as Anansi the Spider arrives, in a smart revival of the 2023 production. There’s no shortage of Anansi plays doing the rounds, but this one, written by Justin Audibert, is nicely polished and well put together, just right for its 4-8 years age range. Audibert brings together a trio of short stories about the well-known trickster spider god from West African and Caribbean culture, directed cohesively by Robin Belfield.
An impressive set (designed by Sadeysa Breenaway-Bailey) fills the room. It’s a huge tree with enormous umbrella-like leaves resembling a canopy above the audience seated on the floor beneath, and where the action takes place. An African theme is conspicuous from the start as the actors arrive, beating drums and introducing a distinctive sound that instantly sets the location and adds a warm, cultural vibrancy, whilst their brightly coloured costumes suggest traditional African clothing.
Cynthia Emeadi, Becky Sanneh and Elizabeth Pave give slick, appealing performances as the three narrators and use what appears to be Caribbean accents throughout, keeping things neatly tied together. They relate the stories with energy, intricately rotating roles. We see how Anansi tries to steal all the wisdom in the world but finds himself outsmarted by a little girl. Next, he tricks other animals into taking a beating from a snake he’s managed to cadge vegetables from, before he finally overreaches himself, trying to take advantage of two parties simultaneously. The tales are easy to follow, with proud Anansi routinely caught out in his tricksy plans, raising giggles from the audience. The cast engage warmly with the children, effortlessly creating a lively atmosphere, laughter and keen responses, while flurries of confetti and some imaginative fabric manipulation bring a touch of wonder to the proceedings. The whole is delivered at a nice pace to fill the 50-minute running time to perfection.
The animated storytelling is enhanced by fluid movement work (directed by Asha Jennings-Grant) and an excellent soundscape (Esther Kehinde Ajayi) that uses traditional instruments and interesting Foley sounds to give texture and punctuate the scenes. Duramanry Kamara‘s compositions give an authentic African feel and allow the three performers to showcase some beautiful harmonising, including in an authentic African language song, also providing a punchy refrain that has the audience joining in enthusiastically. The instruments also serve as props, even helping to imagine the snake character, which is lots of fun.
Come the end, the children were happily clapping along and interacting joyfully with the cast. This is certainly a great trip to the theatre for an early years audience.
A Unicorn Theatre & Birmingham Rep Production
Written by Justin Audibert & Robin Belfield
Directed by Robin Belfield
Designer: Sadeysa Greenaway-Bailey
Movement Director: Asha Jennings-Grant
Sound Designer: Esther Kehinde Ajayi
Lighting Designer: Will Monks
Associate Designer: Delyth Evans
Composer: Duramaney Kamara
Anansi the Spider, aimed at 4-8 year olds, runs at the Unicorn Theatre until Sunday 16 November
