54.60 Africa by Femi Elufowoju Jr. The Arcola, Studio 1, until 12 July 2025, 3☆☆☆. Review: William Russell.

Photo Credit: Alex Brenner.

54.60 Africa by Femi Elufowoju Jr. The Arcola, Studio 1, until 12 July 2025,

3☆☆☆. Review: William Russell.

“An exhilarating odyssey.”

Dazzlingly energetic, packed with song and dance, this attempt by Femi Elufowoju Jr to convey something of the amazing mixture of people and nations that is Africa proves an exhausting if at times enlightening experience. Africa 1, or Yaa Africa,  played by the magnificent Suzette Llewellyn, sets the travels in motion and what follows is a whirlwind of song, dance, and encounters as Africa 2, played on press night by the dramatist, embarks on a journey round the nations. He did it in real life and what he found inspired the play. The Ganda Boys, Denis Mugagga and Daniel Sewagudde, lead the song and dance and the energy the cast expend on this journey around very different nations, but nations exploited, is something to admire. On a sweltering June night it was also something of a test of endurance. The show was inspired by Elufowoju's decision to visit all 54 African countries following a tour he had been on Theatre Complicite, but instead of it being about himself it is about people encountered and the different worlds in which they live. Yaa Africa gives the other ten seven days in which to demystify and judge Africa. The best thing is to sit back and let what happens overwhelm you –  you encounter people with ill intent, corrupt customs officials, people delighted at meeting a brother, people wondering why anyone would wish to go where he is planning. It is a kalaidescopic view and ends with Yaa Africa listing some of the things looted over the centuries Africa should get back. Having E;ufowoju – he also directs – was a bonus as it made what we saw all the more of a personal odyssey. This is his real Africa, the real Africa and not the world of the Lion King, it is an African odyssey to share.

Cast

Suzette Llewellyn.

Patrice Naimbana ( he was ill on press night, the author read the role.)

Munashe Chirisa.

Christopher Mbaki.

Usifu Jalloh.

Ayo-Dele Edwards.

Adil Hassan.

Funlola Olufunwa.

Liana Cottrill

Denis Mugagga & Daniel Sewgudde (The Ganda Boys).

Creatives

Director – Femi Elufowoju jr.

Designer – ULTZ.

Music Director – Emmanuel Edwards.

Lighting Designer – Charles Balfour.

Movement Director – Kemi Durosinmi.