The Tribe

‘The Tribe’ is the latest, quality presentation from the award winning, Renegade Productions. Devised by the cast, it was written and developed by the multi-talented, Joe Lui. The show consists of two, 50-minute separate plays – a complex challenge for production manager Katy Dynes.  The performances start in the main theatre and finish in the rehearsal studio on the ground floor of The Blue Room, Northbridge.

This 110-minute show (including interval) can be seen nightly at 7.00 until Saturday 2^nd November.

        The light emanating from the three hanging globes are barely scotopic. The Amazon Queen, ‘Daddy’ (Paul Grabovac) staggers into the cellar clutching his wine glass. Stooping over the table, he starts to work a spell with a tray of sea salt and polished stones. This orator wants to be loved and recognised by not just the local community, but the whole world.

       He calls to his captive black angel, daughters hiding in the shadows to help him. One is given the task of wielding power (Ella Hetherington) the other (Mikala Westall) is given a light, to draw the crowds to him.

       These daughters have never known love or freedom, only strict rules and vicious orders; yet their father seeks, and expects, total adulation.

       What does the future hold for this sad family?

       The second play is set in a bedsit flat. A young woman (Ella Hetherington) is preparing for bed, sanitizing her hands in a Lady Macbeth like way. She kneels before her dressing table, laden with dead vegetation and dried animal parts, and says her prayers. She adds to her collection jars of strange bodily specimens before retiring to her bed.

       This bower bird has built a secure and comfortable home for herself. She has a boring routine of eating, exercise and watching the TV drivel (Videographer: Mia Holton); this security must be a wonderful position to be in. Or is it? Hiding in the corner is a man - an anthropologist, authority on nature, politics and social structure, an Attenborough-like person (Paul Grabovac) explains to the audience the existence and habits of this ‘third chimpanzee’, and its vulnerability.

      Whilst asleep, this woman has a cloaked visitor, so is she really as secure as she thinks?
 

Joe Lui’s storyline is perceptive; although some may say pessimistic; others will think how true every word is. His script is written with a richness and classical style that is rarely seen today. The structure is carefully built around the warped nature of society, using zoology as the framework for the strange life that we all lead. In the first story he demonstrates the blatant bullying, and then shows in the second that the manipulation that takes place by the authorities is no less cruel than the first. Director Lui always has several strong messages to impart, and always leaves you thinking. His delivery is often controversial – although here it was clever acting and writing, rather than an in-your-face experience.

Joe’s music is ethereal and haunting; when combined with the bizarre but perfect sets and costume designs by India Caitlin Mehta, the effect is disturbing but gripping.

The magnificent lighting was complex, well considered and smoothly operated by Meabh Walton.

Three outstanding performances are given in two very different genres of plays. From an award-winning and award-nominated cast, body and soul went into each performance.

This is a unique twin production that is likely to be one of the audience favourites for the season. Tremendous.