Review: 54.60 Africa (Arcola Theatre)

Review by Sam Waite

⭐️⭐️⭐️

At first glance, the title of Femi Elufowoju Jr may seem confusing, and truth be told I questioned whether it would be set at a radio station and the title a frequency to tune to. A quick glance over the Arcola Theatre’s website will clarify that the title refers to a feat carried out by the playwright – there are 54 countries which comprise the recognised states of Africa, and Elufowoju Jr managed to visit every one of them before reaching his 60th birthday.

54.60 follows 11 characters, each simply named Africa, as they travel the continent to find what is worthy of celebration about these nations, and to prove Africa ought not to be forgotten. Each performer rotates through a variety of roles in vignettes of these disparate but unified journeys, as Africas 1 through 11 carry out the quest given to them by Suzette Llewellyn’s Yaa Africa.

Needless to say, in a play running at two hours including its interval, the playwright hasn’t seen fit to follow the Africas’ adventures and ordeals in every country visited, instead picking out a selection to set scenes within. There’s a good deal of humour, plenty of celebratory dancing, but also a willingness to explore some of the darker themes these stories touch on. Admittedly, the need for brevity and to move onto the next Africa’s story does leave things rather sketchily drawn, leading to a reliance on easy stereotypes and digestible jokes rather than more nuanced exploration.

The company of actors, dancers and musicians, including musical duo The Ganda Boys as Africas 10 and 11, are all lively and game for anything. Particularly game was Elufowoju Jr himself, playtext firmly in hand as he stepped in to ensure press night could go ahead despite cast illness. I’m not clear on whether blocking or choreography was simplified for his track, but I can attest with the utmost certainty that the unified, well-synched cast allowed him to seamlessly fade into their midst. It would be a disservice to the work to single out any particular performer, for all of them brought a passion and joyousness to the work which must be seen to be believed.

Of course, the playwright himself doubling as director and lyricist allows him some of that easy transition into performing alongside his cast, and his use of the stage and surrounding space of the Arcola’s Studio 1 auditorium combines senses of open-plan movement and structured choreography that allow for a feeling of spontaneity. Where his script can seem vague in its explorations, his direction is so distinctive and carried out with such flair that it truly feels as if only he could have pulled this performance together.

With strong vocals and breathtaking moments of dancing, it did feel a shame when the culture and artistry of all 54 countries was set aside to close out act one with a Toto cover – you know what song, and in this heat, we certainly would bless the rains. With a cast so thoroughly engaging and bursting with talent and energy, this was another instance where an opportunity to expand on this cultural exploration had been set aside for the easier choice.

Credit must go to sound designer and composer Emmanuel Edwards, who keeps in perfect harmony vocals both amplified and not, and an array of instruments played onstage by the cast. Likewise, strong work is done on the lighting front by Charles Balfour, who alternates moody atmospheres and brightly-lit days of travel, and combines with Edwards to create a couple of truly striking moments involving selfies – how, I wondered, do they make the whole stage look as if a camera has snapped the moment in real-time?

A bold and exciting celebration of culture more than it is a rich exploration of it, 54.60 sets out to show the audience the joys of Africa and what about its many nations should be celebrated. The specifics may not be as clear as they could be, but the passion and energy guiding that celebration makes it a hard one to refuse. And ultimately, with so much to be wary of in this life, I for one welcome a show this determined to share pride, joy, and connection to heritage.

54.60 plays at the Arcola Theatre until July 12th

For tickets and information visit arcolatheatre.com/whats-on/54-60-africa/

Photos by Alex brenner