Red Velvet: an Accessible (Re)view by Sipho Eric Ndlovu
Red Velvet will melt in your mind like any good dessert you remember. But this two hour twenty Shakespeare flavoured treat is a historical feat of Ira Aldridge. A first of his own as a groundbreaking Actor of the tragedies.?
When Shakespeare was regarded as proper, propriety and for well-learned English identity, a new drama was presented on the docklands of London.?
Lolita Chakrabati’s writing is layered by timelapses. It is present in the early 19th century; holding up the standards of Shakespeare’s 16th century. And within it there’s a mirror still clear reflecting similar sentiments for the society of theatre in 2024.?
Where truth alters rhythm & gesture, working together to conjure a magic.?
The play doesn’t shy away from historical accuracy.
It is the acting, that is the art. And the inadequacies within attitudes that is an anchor.?
An unsurprising spontaneity, when you know what to expect.?
Red Velvet asks to humanise and to respect. “
Three songs listened to whilst writing this:
*I was kindly invited as press to review this performance. All my opinions are my own, open and honest.