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London Review
London ReviewThe Brothers Size
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Can't do nothing for a man who miss his brother like that.
Sound like a bear trapped in some flesh-tearing snare hollering like that. Can't mock no man in that much earthly pain. He cry out and, hell, he make us all miss our brothers. The ones we ain't neva even have.— Elegba |
Daniel Francis as Ogun Size
(Photo: David Lopez) |
We are told that the inspiration for The Brothers Size comes from Nigerian Yoruba mythology and this tale of two brothers, one of whom has been in prison coming home to the censure of his elder hard working brother has a prodigal feel. In Yoruba mythology Ogun is the god of ironworking, the chief of the gods and Legba is a trickster god but I cannot find a parallel with the traditional description of Ochoosi as a huntsman. In McCraney's play, the brothers Ogun (Daniel Francis) and Ochoosi (Tunji Kasim) squabble with each other like real brothers, blending rivalry and support, competition and control. Only later do we realise that Ogun has been in the parent role to Ochoosi. Then there is the mysterious Elegba (Anthony Welsh), a magician, bad boy and dangerous friend with whom Ochoosi has shared a prison cell. I have to seriously disagree with Curtain Up's review of The Brothers Size in New York which found the play lacking in drama. The London audience's reaction to the play is that it is both dramatic and involving. The stage directions are often spoken before they are acted. "Kissing teeth" says Ochoosi and then he draws out that hissing sign of disdain and we laugh, as we do when they describe rolling over in bed and then doing it. It gives these actions a self consciousness, another dimension, which brings the characters to life by underlining each small event and this style emphasises the storytelling aspect of the drama.
The language is beautiful and graphic, and distinctly contributing to the Southern atmosphere of the swamplands of Louisiana "Elegba enters, drifting, like the moon. Singing a song." for all his trickery he is an attractive character although of course one that threatens Ogun's authority in determining the future he wants for Ochoosi. They play out scenes we can all regcognise, as Elegba talks about his encounter with the sheriff, he has one hand on the gun holster and uses the other to gesticulate and there is a gentle humour to many of their scenes. I liked too the jokes based on their name, No1 Size and No 2 Size or looking for the other Size.
Daniel Francis has the seriousness of Ogun while Tunji Kasim as Ochoosi and Anthony Welsh as Elegba are like the younger and less weighed down by their responsibilities generation. Having seen two sets of actors play The Brothers Size I can see that the writing and direction are as much factors contributing to the success as the good performances. There is also music and song. A highlight of the closing scenes is the miming to Otis Redding's "Try a Little Tenderness" and then suddenly we re alone in the night with just the gentle chirrup of the cicadas.
With the second part of Tarell Alvin McCraney's trilogy In the Red and Brown Water also showing at the Young Vic, this is an opportunity to see these linked plays together but do not miss The Brothers Size for its special blend of vibrancy and hope, of family ties and love and the desperation of trying to save a relative who is on a journey of self destruction.
Editor's Note: Wigout, a new play by McCraney which takes an inside look at the strange world of transsexuals and their elaborate competitive balls, is currently making quite a stir at New York's Vineyard theater. Most critics found the story weak but liked its glitzy staging and performers.
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The Brothers Size
Written by Tarell Alvin McCraney Directed by Bijan Sheibani Starring: Daniel Francis, Tunji Kasim and Anthony Welsh Musician: Manuel Pinheiro Design: Patrick Burnier Lighting: Mike Gunning Choreography: Aline David Running time: One hour 30 minutes without an interval Box Office: 020 7928 6363 Booking to 8th November 2008 Reviewed by Lizzie Loveridge based on 13th October 2008 performance at The Young Vic, The Cut, London SE1 (Tube: Waterloo) |
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