Tambo & Bones by David Harris - ★★★★☆
Quarters to dollars, dollars to dreams.
Walking into Stratford East theatre, we’re welcomed with a makeshift pasture that leaves the audience wondering what is going to happen after four minutes of silence observing Tambo (Rhashan Stone) create something for himself. Shortly after, he is joined by his friend Bones (Daniel Ward) who is doing everything to get a quarter from the audience. Tambo quickly educates bones on the ‘treaties on race in America’ and we are welcomed into the main theme of the show.
Filled with strong language, hip-hop and an abundance of jokes, Tambo & Bones is a unique play. It relies on a method of storytelling that, in a way, challenges social norms, norms that have been created to the detriment of one community whilst elevating another. Written by Dave Harris, this play explores the intersection of race, capitalism and performance. Moving through the past, present and what could be a future pertaining to performance. The play is absurd in many parts as none of it seems real, yet that is what makes it amazing. You have not seen anything like this in theatre.
Following the makeshift pasture which represents the past, we see Bones work incredibly hard for a quarter as part of their minstrel show. He works to the point of cutting himself, yet no one extends the quarter. The questions that derive from this scene, are centred around the need for Bones’; performance. Why must he perform? Why must he get to the point of cutting himself in hope of appealing to the empathy of others?
A co-production with Theatre Royal Stratford East and Actors Touring Company, Tambo & Bones is a necessary piece of theatre. To display entertainment and humour with such grave and painful topics is a skill very few have. The work of ATC's Artistic Director Matthew Xia, was visible throughout, alongside the incredible lighting display by Ciarán Cunningham. An incredible group of creatives put together an incredible piece of theatre.
The play quickly moves to the modern day, a faster pace with musical performances from Tambo & Bones. Both rappers are on the opposite side of the spectrum, Tambo dreams of changing the world and Bones dreams of dollars. The pair have a successful rap career, and are performing to large audiences, standing out from head to toe. The initial question looms once more, but develops to; how did they get to this stage, at what cost?
Shortly before the interval, we are left with news reports of trouble in America, whilst both Tambo and Bones perform, closing with a sharp blackout. Following the interval, we are transported to the future. Tambo & Bones now become narrators of the history of Tambo & Bones with the help of two white robots (Dru Cripps and Jaron Lammens) who were incredible. This part of the play ends with a new world order which was desired more by one of the actors. To top it all off, there is no curtain call but there is a standing ovation. Harris genuinely encapsulates all he has been talking about even in the very last moments.
Running till the 15th July at Stratford East, Tambo & Bones is one for the books.