Translations

Presented by Africa Beyond and produced by Renaissance One, this ambitious piece brought together music, spoken word, visuals and dance around the themes of mythology and romance in the Yoruba culture of Nigeria.

The first half saw writer Dzifa Benson performing a lengthy monologue that adapted timeless folklore against a backdrop of kaleidoscopic images created by Craig Dow and a score by Zak Akhimien, discreetly stationed behind a laptop.

The artists looked somewhat lonely on the large stage. Unfortunately, Benson struggled to bring the requisite presence and projection to the text and, visibly undermined by nerves, did not do justice to writing that started off promisingly. Her evocation of such rich characters as the tantalising trickster Elegba had several engaging passages but became too portentous and static. She had to bravely steel herself to make it through to the end of the performance.

The second half offered a complete change of tone. Although Breis is one of the best-kept secrets in British hip-hop, he revealed himself to be a storyteller and comic actor of impressive verve in the lead role of Ife, a snappy parable of true love. Dele Sosimi, musical director for late Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, provided sharp keyboard licks while actor-dancer Christina Oshunniyi was excellent in the role of Breis's other half. Peppered with sassy one-liners and busy, loose-limbed choreography, the piece was endearing without being sentimental. Moreover, the weighty issues of tradition and modernity, gender roles, loyalty and faith were raised with a pleasing freshness. Breis's mischievous, but ultimately vulnerable, persona proved a welcome addition to portrayals of contemporary black culture.