Afridiziak Theatre News presents Theatre Life with Lakesha Cunnigham
– The Colored Museum, Published October, 2009

“If someone would’ve said to me that within just two weeks I would have produced, cast, directed, set designed, stage managed, light designed and costumed a production single-handedly whilst completing a dissertation, I would have called them crazy; however somehow I did in fact manage to achieve all this and even had fun doing it. My Advanced Independent Project formed a major part of my Theatre Practice: Creative Producing degree and although this was a small university project, my goal was to put on a high quality, entertaining show.

George. C. Wolfe’s The Colored Museum is a popular African American play that seemed to be on everybody’s lips when I did a work placement over in the states with The Black Rep Theatre Company, Missouri. After reading it myself I couldn’t think of any better play to produce for my final year major project. This show is drenched in satire and full of familiar stereotypes and home truths which immediately drew me to the piece. And with a few musical numbers; including ‘Baking a Batch of Negroes with Aunt Ethel’ and a satire version of Raisin in the Sun where “life is much better in an alll-black musical”, this show packs all the punches.

The cast did a great job which isn’t surprising as some of these professional actors have been involved in great work including Tony James-Andersson who has performed in Disney’s The Lion King in the West End and starred in Death and the Kings Horseman at The National earlier this year.Janine Johnson, a recording artist who found success predominantly in Spain, Richie Cloete, Jamila Jennings-Grant, Aja Houston and Amy Doyley’s memorable performances I'm sure even Mr. Wolfe himself would have given his stamp of approval.

The show was performed in a promenade setting in front of an intimate audience who followed the journey of the museum exhibitions around various spaces of the Edric Hall Theatre. This was very different to how the original was performed but fitted the piece nicely.

The sound of laughter filling the Edric was like music to the ears and was well worth all the hard work that went into producing the play. The audience feedback was also positive; and having had encouragement to develop the show further, perhaps you may see The Colored Museum in a theatre near you.

Many thanks to everyone- including Afridiziak.com, who helped to make the show what it was, I am truly grateful.”