Coleridge-Taylor of Freetown is the third play written and performed by Tayo Aluko. The storyline is set during the period when Coleridge-Taylor moved back to Freetown after a career as a diplomat of his home country Nigeria. The play begins as Coleridge-Taylor is hiding in what I presume to have been a cupboard. The danger hasn’t yet been explained. However, from Aluko’s stance the audience are aware that danger isn’t far away!
Aluko blends the calmer scenes during the happier times in Coleridge-Taylor’s life when he is performing songs written by his famous Uncle, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. Then in an instant, he hears footsteps or movement from his hiding position and he snaps back into a heightened sense of fear and danger presents itself.
Rebels have captured a young woman, and she is close by to Coleridge-Taylor hiding place. The audience is fully aware of the rebels’ treatment of her as Coleridge-Taylor decides if and how he could help her escape. They disregard her as a person, and she is treated as an object to do with what the leader commands, when he commands. It was uncomfortable at times to listen to, but then when was war ever a “happy ever after”?
An important story to bring to the stage and raise awareness of the plight those in Sierra Leone faced as war broke out and people fought for their lives. Aluko’s writing is compassionate and hard-hitting in equal measure. The play does exactly what good Theatre should and challenges the audience to think and feel about what took place without letting them get too comfortable.
Aluko is a confident and reliable actor who will take you on quite an emotional and disturbing journey. Capturing a cruel moment in history and delivering it to the audience without holding back the punches. One of the reasons I love Fringe Theatre is challenging performances like these. Aluko returns to the Brighton Fringe at the end of May 2024.
For more information on Coleridge-Taylor of Freetown and other performances at the Rotunda Theatre please use the link below.
Four Stars.
https://www.rotundatheatre.com/brightonfringe/coleridgetayloroffreetown
Tayo Aluko – Writer, Singer, Actor, Producer
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