Under the Kundé Tree by Clarisse Makundul - ★★★☆☆
Sitting at the intersection of West and Central Africa, Cameroon is a country with a rich history that is unfamiliar to many. Their path to independence spanned a 12-year period through the development of the Union of the Peoples of Cameroon (UPC). Under the Kundé Tree is inspired by the life of the women who played an important role on the path to independence.
The story begins with Sara (Selina Jones) recounting her observations of the village womens’ plan to rally against colonial rule and discrimination in hopes of creating better working conditions. Sara is on a journey to becoming ----. Her father, Pa (Yinka Awoni) has bigger and more profitable plans for her that include an arranged marriage to the village chief. Sara however, has betrothed herself to Jean (Fode Simbo), an outsider.
Forced to navigate familial traditions alongside her hopes and dreams; coupled with the political unrest within the country, Under the Kunde Tree explores the decisions Sara has to make for the betterment of her future.
Directed by Ebenezer Bamgboye, the play exudes dynamic expression and colour, with great use of music throughout, supporting the story being told. Movement is a key tool used throughout play to break up scenes. At times, it provided a welcomed break, however, at others it felt redundant. Clarisse Makundul’s script is filled with rich dialogue and speeches that are presented incredibly well by the cast. However, the time period being covered spanned more than a decade, and this presented a challenge, limiting the depth and richness of the stories being told.
The modest stage was put to great use by all characters, transforming from a house to the marketplace and then a prison cell, and the simple design worked well for the array of changes required.
The cast supported each other to bring out the very best of the script. Firstly, Selina Jones was formidable as the pillar of the play, balancing movement and emotions in a way that brought out the best in each scene. Fode Simbo was exceptional throughout, with standout moments including his two passionate monologues. Yinka Awoni, moved gracefully between the various roles he played giving it his all with each character. Amma-Afi Osei (Nadia, Sara’s cousin), a friend, a gossip and a wife evoked both joy and pain from the audience with her delivery. The balance created by the cast was beautiful to watch.
Under the Kunde Tree is a story with plenty of potential to be great. At the core of it the message is powerful. It sparks a good discussion on what happened in Cameroon and brings to light what is known as the ‘Hidden War’ for us to uncover and find out more. The play is able to create a dialogue around history (and what is hidden), the price young women had to pay for the sake of tradition and the path to freedom and the many faces it takes.
However, the overall goal to display the role women played in the Cameroonian Independence fell flat and the production failed to come together. The play struggled to cohesively communicate the depth of Cameroon’s history, which, is a shame given the strong cast and foundations of the play.
Running till the 17th June, you can watch this play at Southwark Playhouse.