Africa My Africa, a multicultural, multinational musical spectacle is the story of Africa over three centuries told in one hour, performed by African and Polish actors. It is a spectacle without dialogue with music as the dominant factor. It’s a method through which it’s Cameroonian author hopes to bring Poles closer to the problems of Africa and show the similarities between Africa and Poland—
Justyna Débik, Tomasz Michniewicz— Polish Radio
Africa...My Africa; a controversial play with a powerful message
Michiel Drost (DJHMEDIANET)
The Voice of History
The play "Africa... My Africa" is the story of Africa based on a 20-line poem, of the same name written and directed by Cameroonian refugee/poet Simon Mol. It is an enchanting story of pride before a fall and despair. But also of hope-hope for what will be, hence the subtitle of the play: "Was, Is, Will Be." Set in a museum which is real and metaphorical at the same time, the audience is confronted with the various faces and phases that characterize Africa's uniqueness; its spiritual history, lifestyle and its art. This is portrayed by the voice of the drum, Nubian dance and magical images of Africa's shamans— Warsaw Voice
Africa...My Africa, a political musical spectacle, premiered last May at the National Ethnographic Museum in Warsaw. The Play was repeated again at Klub PUNKT in Warsaw May 21 with a packed house.
This is the Story of Africa constructed around a museum. It is an unusual word museum designed with the letters of a 20-line poem—Africa, My Africa. It tells an enchanting story of pride, fall and despair. But also of hope, hence the subtitle of the play; Was, Is, Will be. Within the walls of this museum which is factual and mythical simultaneously, we stand face to face with the various faces and phases that characterise Africa’s uniqueness; its spiritual history, lifestyle and its art, all bonded together and pointing towards immortality. This we see within the poetic and ritualistic ring of the museum of the poem, with the evocative power of the continent’s heroes; Pharaoh, the undisputable voice of the drum, dance and the magical images of its magicians. We feel and experience traditional freedom. And also political betrayal.... and what the continent and posterity look forward to in hope—hoping that mankind will someday celebrate Africa’s final victory as its own.
Actors include political exiles and migrants, drawn from Cameroon, Liberia, Nigeria, Burundi, Ingoshetia, Uganda, Yugoslavia, Vietnam, Sudan, Togo, Guinea, and Poland.
Author’s Foreword
Since this beautiful and mysterious planet belongs to us all, the intention of this play is not to hurt nor divide but to unite. It is a destructive and lethal lie to think this play is about provoking divisions.
It is morally wrong to hold a child responsible for the crimes committed by its parents, unless of course the child chooses to repeat them. However since it is in man’s nature to easily forget, if past crimes and mistakes are to be avoided, there is a need to talk and talk and talk about them.
Every year there are films and books about the unforgettable anguish wrought by the holocaust. It is one sure way to make sure it never happens again. It is time Africa and Her friends draw lessons from that.
Thank you all.
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