Stream: Barber Shop Chronicles
One day. Six cities. A thousand stories. ‘Barbershop Chronicles’ is a heart-warming, hilarious and insightful play, set in Johannesburg, Harare, Kampala, Lagos, Accra and London Peckham.
A play about African men and haircutting? Not a big sell for female audiences. However, though running without an interval for an hour and threequarters, I never once felt the urge to pause or make a cup of tea. Carefully crafted, with no famous names but a cast of quality jobbing actors with skills to inhabit different characters, this play had everything it boasted on the poster.
Male banter, cultural differences, family relationships and shared experiences made this a fascinating and enjoyable watch for a cold spring evening. As a woman I sometimes found it difficult to appreciate the male perspective on life, love and politics. But I appreciated that although we have different cultural approaches, basically we all have similar thoughts on life. Having your hair cut, whether male or female, brings out the urge to gossip and discuss the meaning of life. How else to you find out what is really going on?
Filmed in 2018 prior to a national and world tour what makes this production stand out is the staging and music. It is an ensemble piece where the full cast are on stage (in the round) all the time. Barbershop chairs whirl around. Various props denote the country cleverly staged by director Bijan Shelbani. The atmosphere subtly changes by a masterful use of music and song. Michael Henry, the musical director, denotes each location by song and instrument. Thank goodness he had actors who could not only replicate barbers’ skills but also sing complex harmonies and rhythms whilst manipulating the on-stage furniture. This was a clever device to keep the action going without a lull.
It is difficult to focus on one player as this ensemble could not be faulted. Each performer doubling many times as different characters in different locations moving from one regional accent to another. However, Fisayo Akinade gave a moving performance as the central character of Samuel.
Having missed this show at the Eden Court before the lockdown, it was a pleasure to keep company with this lively show online.
Available for free on YouTube until the 21st of May.
