I have already commented on the connections between our African stories and their Western equivalents. The first play, Anansi, is the only example of a direct descent, however. Unsurprisingly, it was the African story which came first.
The stories of Anansi the trickster spider traveled with the slave ships to America, where he became translated into Brer Rabbit, with the Gum baby of the original becoming the Tar baby. The video clip shows this scene in rehearsal. Fortunately, Lucky’s eye for detail and movement contributes hugely to its staging. Annoyingly timetabling problems, plus the fact that he is just so busy, don’t allow him to be with us full-time! No matter, I’m very pleased with any time he can give.
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