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ED2022 5/5 Reviews ED2022 Theatre Reviews
Far Gone (Roots Mbili Theatre)
By Andy Leask | Published on Monday 8 August 2022
The joyful, childish atmosphere that opens ‘Far Gone’ doesn’t last long – this is no light-hearted romp. The brief glimpse of Okumu’s early life, filled with fun, games and innocent laughter, stands in stark contrast to the brutal tragedy that unfolds when his village is visited by the Lord’s Resistance Army, and he is forcibly recruited as a child soldier. This is harrowing stuff, and rightly so. John Rwoth-Omack delivers an exhilarating performance, transforming from character to character. Each is nuanced and vibrant, and he seamlessly shifts and sheds voice and mannerisms as he flits between them. The gut-punch of a climax is well-earned, made all the more resonant by the call and response crowd participation, which has made us all complicit.
Zoo Southside, until 20 Aug.
tw rating 5/5 | [Andy Leask]
