Date Reviewed: 28th November, 2008
Venue: Contact Theatre

Despite being siblings the Brothers Size have little in common. Hard-working Ogun (Daniel Francis) has long resented having to act as a parent /role model to his wayward younger brother. Oshoosi (Tunji Kasim), fresh out of prison and with a strong sense of entitlement, looks for an easy life. The brothers share dreams in which a spirit, in the form of ex-cell mate Elegba (Anthony Walsh), tries to tempt Oshoosi away. This may prove to be prophetic when the real Elegba arrives with an over-generous gift for the younger brother.

Tarell Alvin McCraney’s script  explores the joys and pains of families and friends with both insight and charm. It catches those odd moments when you find yourself reflected in someone you might not really like. Even before the actors start work the characters are very well realised. You might expect that the technique of having the actors speak the stage directions could be confusing or become  wearying but, coupled with the intonation of the actors, it is a very effective way of conveying the emotion of scenes.

Director Bijan Sheibani is able to draw the audience into the atmosphere of the play which moves from tension and resentment to a wonderfully funny and touching sequence of the brothers miming to “Try a Little Tenderness”. This scene conveys a great deal is conveyed wordlessly, to demonstrate the love between the brothers. It shows both confidence and style. Effective use is made of very limited resources, including a bare stage. The actors are so skilled at mime that they convincingly convey the atmosphere of the garage and other locations at which the characters meet.

The acting is of a very high standard and Francis is wonderful. His tightly clenched muscles showing how Ogun represses his emotions, makes credible a man who defines himself by his strong work ethnic. Kasim is every inch the over- indulged younger sibling. Meanwhile, Walsh combines a Uriah Heep stance with a strange stillness and calm voice to give a genuinely eerie and disturbing performance.

Before and during the play Manuel Pinheiro’s music creates atmosphere and contributes to the actions onstage.

We are told that The Brothers Size is the first part of a trilogy. Bring on the sequels!

-Dave Cunningham

This entry was posted on Friday, November 28th, 2008 at 4:45 pm and is filed under Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.