Cast and Creatives
Theatre
When hearing Please do not touch was a one man show I got a bit worried; how engaging can one man really be? What can a show based on a poetry book be more than a rehearsed reading?
I was wrong. This was honestly so refreshing after a few disappointing performances. Tijan Sarr fills the stage every second he is on it. He is so thrilling to watch. And Casey Bailey writing is beautiful, deep and impactful.
Please do not touch revolves around Masons's time in jail after stealing an afro comb artefact from the museum to bring attention to the injustice of the system that is prosecuting him.
He questions who the comb actually belongs to - the white man who stole it from his ancestors after pillaging their village or the people who actually carved it from the wood that grown on THEIR land?
Sarr switches from being in court to his cell, the stage set up with a desk, small bed and radio. He multi roles the people he meets but really shines when he's himself; telling his story in a modern, urban way that contrasts with the depth of metaphors used in his poetry which is perfectly slotted in between scenes as a effective way to show his views on the topics in question.
One memorable point emphasising what is legal isn't always right and what is illegal isn't always wrong. Though Mason get convicted of theft he gets inspired to make change which is clear from his work on and off stage
The audience laughed and cried and shook and nodded. We were taken on a journey we all understood but needed guidance to finish. I would highly suggest going to see this production if you get a chance; you will leave more educated and open than before.
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