Show: Woke
Location: Playhouse Theatre, Liverpool
Dates: Thursday June 24-Saturday June 26 2021
Times: 19.30
Running Time: 60 Mins
Age Rating: 14+
Performer: Apphia Campbell
Production Company: Apphia Campbell & Meredith Yarbrough
Writer: Apphia Campbell & Meredith Yarbrough
Our latest theatre review is for Woke at Liverpool‘s Playhouse Theatre. The show runs from Thursday 24 June – Saturday June 26 2021. Now, this will be the first theatre show of 2021 at the Playhouse Theatre. So, let’s take a look at Woke!
Woke
Synopsis
Two women are joining in the civil rights struggle 42 years apart. The show boasts a strong soundtrack combining original music with traditional gospel and blues. Two women experience the civil rights struggle 42 years apart from one another. Now, one is Assata Shakur, a notorious Black Panther whose tale comes from 1972. Meanwhile, Ambrosia offers her view of the 2014 Ferguson riots while studying at university, yet both stand up to the American justice system, with criminal charges due to their political activism. And they must decide whether to stay and fight or whether to flee.
The play is performed solely by Apphia Campbell, more details about her incredible performance later but she plays the roles of both Ambrosia and Assata with such ease. She flips back and forth from one character to another and we even have a glimpse of a 3rd character, Trey.
Ambrosia is joyful and exuberant and dare I say it, slightly naive. She joins college and she is then swept into the harsh reality of the events in Ferguson and sees herself being victimised, as many of her people are, with countless bogus tickets being issued to her and fines building up. Assata who we know as Joanne (her slave name) is a little bit tougher. She knows the story, she’s walked the walk. She’s a realist. She is definitely the more streetwise character. She too, is caught up in many situations where her innocence is questioned and she is unfairly victimised and even incarcerated. The same story but 2 very different situations. A sad reflection on despite how much time has passed, nothing has really changed.
Analysis
I was blown away by Apphia Campbell’s performance. She is a powerhouse. My husband who also attended with me described her as a shapeshifter, effortlessly switching between the characters in front of our very eyes. When switching between roles, a slightly raised shoulder, an adjusted gait, the simplest change of facial expression and Campbell was that character. Adding to these, a vocal change cemented each transformation and left you with no doubt as to who she was at any given time.
The stage was simply set with a box, a low table and a stool. These props were used to timestamp the different moments in the journey. At one point in the play, I was surprised to see the box, table and stool which were all piled up on top of each other stay intact as Ambrosia turned up at the courthouse and to her dismay it was closed. After a frustrating phone call with the courthouse I braced myself for the out pour of frustration being vented in the trashing of the props but it didn’t arrive. Ambrosia showed much more restraint.
The play begins with a soulful rendition of St Louis Blues and we are treated to many moments of song from Campbell. Her voice is rich and effortless and has a natural strength that most singers would kill to have. Throughout the performance the blues music changes to protest songs and rally chants which heighten the tension and atmosphere. Speaking of atmosphere, I think this speaks to the talents of Campbell in how she can create a palpable and frantic atmosphere. Towards the end of the play, we’re outside the courthouse, waiting to hear the announcement of the latest injustice. Not Guilty! Tear gas, screaming, riots, further police brutality and yet only 1 person on stage. Incredible.
The lighting, although simple, enhances the performance. I was especially taken at how it was used at one point to create silhouettes of Campbell behind her. As if she was a one woman army.
Summary
To round up I think Woke is incredibly powerful. It’s full of grit and definitely worth a watch. Apphia Campbell is incredible and gives a passionate and steely performance.
This play does not turn away from the real reality and harsh truth that black inequality is prevalent throughout American history and our current day. It’s a powerful story, and it needs to be told. More so now, than ever.
Notes
Target Audience: 14+
Content: Implied Strong Violence
Recommendation?: Yes
Overall Rating: 10/10 – Perfect
Woke Further Links
Woke runs at the Playhouse Theatre from Thursday June 24 to Saturday June 26 2021. So, to purchase tickets, please click here.
To find out more information about this show, click here.
Are you going to see Woke? Let us know by leaving a comment below!
