Paula Citron
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The Kente Cloth
SummerWorks 2008
Written and performed by Tawiah M’carthy
Directed and dramaturged by Cole J. Alvis
Theatre Centre until Aug. 17
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SummerWorks is the annual festival that presents over 40 juried plays. A worthy choice is The Kente Cloth, written and performed by Ghanaian-born Tawiah M’carthy.
The Kente Cloth is a large piece of richly designed ceremonial material that a boy is given in Ghana when he becomes a man. By wrapping it around his body like a long skirt and draping the rest over his shoulders, he can take pride of place in his community.
In this moving solo show, M’carthy presents a different picture. He is given the kente cloth early because his family is worried about his homosexual tendencies.
M’carthy is a beautiful mover and his very poetic language has been turned into physical theatre by director Cole J. Alvis and choreographer Lucy Rupert. Movement and text combine to tell a haunting and heart-breaking story. M’carthy has the charisma and the talent to make this show work.
The Kente Cloth continues at the Theatre Centre until Aug. 17.