Mlima’s Tale by Lynn Nottage - ★★★★☆
Photo: Marc Brenner
From the expanse of the Kenyan Savannah, to the upscale Ivory boutique in Beijing, Mlima’s Tale narrates the story of the last bull elephant in Kenya. We briefly observe Mlima's life and death and spend the majority of the play discovering his afterlife and the troubles that followed. Written by Lynn Nottage and Directed by Miranda Cromwell; the production exposes the atrocities of poaching and animal cruelty; the depths of human greed and police corruption as well as the need for us to reflect and consciously choose to be on the right side of history.
We are immersed in music, with beautiful harmonies from a breathtaking composition, (courtesy of Femi Temowo) which evokes emotion from the audience at various points, transcending the language barrier. The sound design, spectacular stage and lighting all contribute to illuminating the narrative, enveloping the audience in its atmosphere.
Mlima the great tusker opens the play reminiscing on the advice of his grandmother, the instructions passed down from each generation and the stories of old he holds dear . He paints a picture of life in the Savannah depicting; the tender words of his mother, the joy and tears he experienced with friends and his love for Mumbi. Life before death was displayed as difficult, yet beautiful. The ambush that leads to his gruesome death is what sets the tone for the rest of the play, as we see Mlima’s spirit travel alongside his tusks, impacting every individual that has a part to pay in his death; from he Somali poachers, to the corrupt local officers, apathetic government officials, ivory carvers and the nouveau riche clients who purchase him.
Ira Mandela Siobhan who plays Mlima delivers an incredibly captivating and commanding performance, owning every angle of the stage, as he gracefully fulfils Mlima’s vengeance. His ability to transition between immovability and fluidity was not only admirable, but it showcases his exceptional talent. Guided to perfection by Shelly Maxwell (movement director), Siobhan effortlessly keeps Mlima’s spirit alive.The ensemble cast including Gabrielle Brooks, Natey Jones, Brandon Grace and Pui Fan Lee remarkably play various roles throughout the night. Their ability to transform and fully inhabit diverse characters through the change in pace and rich dialogue is truly commendable. Brandon Grace is especially remarkable; starting the show as a Somali poacher and concluding it as a nouveau riche shopaholic.
The compelling start of the play evokes a sense of optimism that justice will prevail for Mlima; however, this hope is ultimately thwarted, diminishing the impact of Mlima’s travelling spirit. While every character is given an opportunity at redemption, none seize this opportunity, prompting a reflection on our own moral principles and the extent to which we overlook crucial matters we ought to give our time to. Lynn Nottage does an excellent job in sensitively writing a story about ivory, whilst interweaving and drawing parallels of human experiences. Mlima’s depiction of human emotions resonates deeply with the audience, fostering a more deeper and personal connection to the story.
Mlima’s Tale is running until 21st October at Kiln Theatre.
