The Colored Museum: Complexion of a culture

The satire is initially disconcerting as the audience adjusts to the brazen performance style required by George C Wolfe’s script, but once the effervescent Altovice Lawrence has delivered her speech as the giggling, brain-washed hostess on a slave ship bound for the West Indies and Georgia, it’s possible to recalibrate your involvement.

This is not a struggle play or a comedy, but there are elements of both, plus a great deal of music delivered with passion by talented vocalists. In the second half, some of the songs are responsible for slowing the pace – it’s generally better when the cast is collectively buzzing about, their shenanigans neatly linked by Aubrey Poo’s Junie, who is a sort of narrator-cum-MC and an ensemble member in many of the skits.

The highlight is Lebo Toko’s solo turn as Miss Roj, an imposing transvestite whose monologue encapsulates everything the show says in a few brief moments. He’s supremely confident, yet marginalised; proud of the subculture he represents, yet unavoidably tied to his historical roots; and obviously intelligent yet dedicated to maintain a specific superficial image.

There are moments of great poignancy as Miss Roj rages about the lot of “her people”, be they black men and women, gays or individuals who find themselves not fitting in, in some way.

Indian and coloured cast members underline that dealing with prejudice, satirically or otherwise, is not a black and white issue (if you will). The artistry displayed – the singing, dancing and acting – thrills. With tightening up, to minimise the dips in energy in the solos and make some of the more intense satire a little less heavy-handed, The Colored Museum will soar.

It’s already fantastic.

The Colored Museum will be performing at the Market Theatre, Newtown, until February 23.