Writer: Atinuke
Director: Mojisola Kareem-Elufowoju
The children’s story book Anna Hisbiscus’ Song written by the Nigerian-born author Atinuke has been wonderfully adapted for the stage and directed by Mojisola Kareem-Elufowoju.
Anna Hibiscus is a happy little girl who lives in Ibadan, Nigeria. She is very happy, in fact she feels her happiness is going to make her explode.
During the day she asks her grandparents, her parents, her aunty and uncle, her friends what they do when they are happy. Anna is surrounded mostly by busy adults who have things to do and cannot spend all day with her.
Finally, her mother suggests to Anna she goes somewhere quiet and Anna finally discovers that when she sings it brings her the greatest happiness.
The Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse is the perfect venue for the performance. It is small and intimate. Brightly coloured benches surround the space for the children to see and get up close to the actors who invite the children to join in the music, to sing, clap and dance.
The set is colourful and joyous, from lines of washing, to peppers growing in the sun-drenched setting.
As with all good storytelling there is plenty of repetition to engage the children and become familiar with the story. The cast help the children to appreciate that Africa consists of many countries and that Anna lives in West Africa, in Nigeria.
The endearing character of Anna Hibiscus is a handheld puppet cleverly and lithely operated by Saskia Rose. All the actors embrace their various roles with such warmth and infectious enjoyment.
The engaging performance is full of vibrancy, joy and happiness. The age recommendation is for 3+ and young primary age children in particular could not fail to enjoy this excellent performance.
Runs until 15 July 2023
The Reviews Hub Score
Vibrant and Joyous
