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Posted on October 24th 2016
'A Man of Good Hope' at Young Vic
As part of our Black History Month activities, Year 10 drama students went to the Young Vic Theatre to watch the world-renowned Isango Ensemble perform A Man of Good Hope.
The play tells the true story of one refugee’s epic quest across Africa, brought to life with music from the critically-acclaimed South African Isango Ensemble who were returning to the Young Vic after the Olivier Award-winning The Magic Flute.
This adaptation of Jonny Steinberg’s riveting book is told through roof-lifting songs and dance accompanied on the marimba.
In a collaboration with the Royal Opera House, they tell the story of Asad, a young Somali refugee with a painful past, miraculously good luck and a brilliant head for business. After years in a refugee camp and then learning to hustle in the streets of Ethiopia, he sets off for the promised land of South Africa. But when he arrives, he discovers the violent reality of life in the townships – and his adventures really begin.
The girls especially enjoyed the vibrant music and song as well as the paired-down staging which used everyday objects to depict places, journeys and emotions.
Virginie Clarke, House Co-ordinator
Other Black History Month stories: Levi Roots visits to talk about William Blake; East Dulwich Picturehouse project; Steel Pan Band sensation; Knife of Dawn with Hannah Kendal.
