Review: CROWN OF BLOOD, Sheffield Crucible
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In their latest co-production, Utopia Theatre and Sheffield Theatres present Crown of Blood, an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth that places the narrative during the civil wars of 19th century Yorubaland. Oladipo Agboluaje’s script adapts Shakespeare’s original story well, keeping (but simplifying) the general Macbeth plot whilst also taking plenty of artistic licence in translating it to this new setting. His language is often poetic, reminding us of Shakespeare’s, - which is a nice touch.
Artistic Director of Utopia Theatre Mojisola Kareem directs the production. She does a good job at using the Crucible’s thrust stage, although it does sometimes feel like the show is mainly played to the audience in the centre. It moves at a good pace, with Kareem finding the perfect balance between building tension and finding moments for laughter. Some elements could have been added though to make clear that time is passing, as without referring to the breakdown of scenes in the programme, it would be challenging to follow when each scene is happening. Ben Wright’s movement, alongside the music directed (and often sung) by Kayefi Osha adds some moments of fun and joy to what could otherwise be a very dark play.
Kevin Jenkins’ costumes are beautiful and clearly inspired by traditional dress from the regions. He shows differences in class exceptionally well through his costumes. His set at first looks quite grand at first, but we find ourselves often wanting more physical set pieces to help depict different locations, or even some projections on the back wall. Alexandra Stafford’s lighting design somewhat helps the show the different locations. It also helps to build the tension during each of the numerous murders in the play, although it is a little disappointing not to see any ‘real’ blood on stage.
Leading the cast is Deyemi Okanlawon as Aderemi. He does a good job at portraying the character’s journey from a lowly soldier to a power hunger tyrant. Early on, he has a nice rapport with Mo Sesay as Ashadele – although we don’t get enough time with them as friends for their fall out to be particularly moving. Kehinde Bankole, an award winning Nigerian actress, takes on the role of Aderemi’s wife Oyebisi. She is outstanding in this role – hopefully this is the start of her becoming a star on the UK stage as well as in Nigeria. In this retelling of Macbeth, it’s the wife who leads the charge. She has grown up, clearly being treated badly by the King, so works through (and sometimes with) her husband to get revenge. Bankole and Okanlawon work brilliantly together, but we struggle to like either character as they’re both as tyrannical as each other which means the ending isn’t particularly moving.
Crown of Blood is an interesting retelling of Macbeth and a fascinating insight into history and politics of Yorubaland. The play doesn’t necessarily feel like it has much to say about the world we live in today (certainly not in the West) but it is a great insight into Yorubaland culture. It is also a great showcase of African performance styles and talent, as Utopia Theatre always do so well.
*** Three Stars
Reviewed by Jacob Bush
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