Lanre Malaolu’s play presents a transcendent journey of four generations of black men attempting to understand and navigate their emotions in a world that commands them to be strong.
Samskara’s set consists of a semi-circle of soil encompassing the stage in which the five men perform. This soil is used to ground and enlighten the men through the production as they each come to terms with their emotions, expressing vulnerability and eventually reaching their moments of catharsis. Outside the circle, the Drummer (Onono) is seated. He plays the African drums, which ignites and underscores the physical theatre of Malaolu’s production, mainly performed by Silent Man (Abugre). These moments interject the other men’s speeches about their fathers, violence, and emotional trauma to aid them in releasing their pent-up resentment.
The climax of the production comes from Wisdom (Alvin-Wilson), the oldest of the men whose discontentment with the world has overcome him. He is forced to dissect his feelings when transported to the day he first experienced racism, but instead of hearing racial epithets, he hears the Bob Marley song he listened to on his Walkman before the discriminatory act occurred. For the first time in the production, the audience witnesses Wisdom laugh and dance. His walls break down as he releases his pain and allows joy to embrace him. From this point forward, each man concludes that it is detrimental to their wellbeing to perpetuate the belief (upheld by the black community) strength of men comes from suppressing their emotions. Malaolu makes clear that young black men need to recognise they are made up of, and defined by, a myriad of colours that shine within them; they are capable of anything and everything.
‘Samskara’ is a breath of fresh air. No longer should there be an acceptance of the continuation of generational trauma passed down from father to son. Although Malaolu’s choreography is at times drawn out, its dynamism helps to show the audience the painfully turbulent black British experience, proving to be an upsetting yet empowering watch.
Name of Production: Samskara
Year of Production: 2021
Venue Cast: Ntonga Mwanza, Oliver Alvin-Wilson, Will Atiomo, Razak Osman, Paaliba Abugre, Yahael Camara Onono
Director, Writer and Choreographer: Lanre Malaolu
Composer + Sound Designer: Jan Baranowski
Lighting Designer: Ali Hunter
Creative Producer: Shereen Hamilton
Executive Producer: Ruby Baker
Production Company: The Yard Theatre
Assistant Choreographer: Rochea Dyer
Assistant Director: Kirk-Ann Roberts
Dramaturge: Anthony Simpson-Pike
Other Creatives: Meg Hodgson
Additional Composition: Yahael Camara Onono
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