Oshun

Amarantha Robinson has created an extremely evocative and alluring show. The performance is inspired by a myth from the Yoruba (West African) oral tradition and the coming-of-age experience of the young god Oshun. When Oggun, the god of metal and technology, flees he leaves Ile Ife and Earth in darkness and chaos. Oshun believes this is her chance to prove herself and decides to pit her abilities against this powerful god. She overcomes the ridicule by other deities, the Orishas, which trigger sentiments of fear and self-doubt and uses all her feminine wiles to seduce the evil Oggun. She restores order to the earth and becomes the goddess of love, femininity, and sensuality.

Percussionist Adrian Hearn plays the Batá drums which are used for traditional and religious activities among the Yoruba people. He provides a magnificent soundtrack to the performance and helps to create the mystical and haunting presence of the deities. Robinson combines movement, dance, mime, music, and performance to tell this intriguing tale.

The staging of this show is striking; the use of colourful costumes and fabrics with strong vibrant colours combined with leafy green plants and flowers easily recalls the African landscape. Robinson wears a magnificent headpiece and mask to represent Oshun and stands with stillness and grandeur as the audience enters the performance space. This creates a very regal and spiritual atmosphere for the play. Her recounting of the tale is performed with exuberance and energy, and her lively dancing and movement exploits the free-flowing fabrics that make up her costumes.

February is Black History Month, and this show provides a great opportunity for remembering and celebrating people of the African diaspora.

Patricia Di Risio 

Photographer: Darren Gill