When I was a theater student in college, Peter Brook was my idol and his book, “The Empty Space “, my bible.
After over 20 years in Paris, I finally saw a production of his at his Parisian theater, “Le Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord”. And what a production it is. “Eleven and Twelve”, is a thoughtful and thought provoking African fable about religion and misunderstanding, but also about culture clashes whether they be between tribes, between family members or between the colonizing and the colonized.
Based on Amadou Hampat Bâ’s biography of his master, “Spirit of Tolerance: The Inspiring Life of Tierno Bokar”, Eleven and Twelve is centered on the story of the author, a young man in Mali at the turn of the 20th century who is studying the Koran with a great master when he is forcefully sent to French schools and eventually starts to work for the French colonial administration. As we watch Amadou grow, we see through his eyes how his world gets changed by hatred and intolerance often in the name of “truth”, “religion” and “progress”.
Why 11 and 12? 11 and 12 represent two schools of thought: one of one master who believes that prayers should be said 11 times, and the other who believes it should be 12. Although the masters eventually meet and agree that this is a trivial, non-issue, the people who follow them and the colonial power which has an interest in dividing them, continue to fight and destroy each other.
The set in this beautiful theater is very stark. A piece of red fabric with a bit of sand. Three stick figure trees on trolleys. An ochre backdrop and Toshi Tsuchiotori (Brook’s musical director) playing a marvelous blend of percussion music with Asian overtones. But wait? Isn’t this a play about Africa? Well yes, but we are in Peter Brook’s world where mixing, matching and exploring different cultures is what it is all about.
The seven actors are enchanting. From all different ethnic backgrounds, they each play a variety of roles and use the few props to create a school, a cemetery, an army baraks. Especially noteworthy was Tunji Lucas, an imposing young actor of African origin as Amadou. With a beautiful voice and presence he takes us through this tale. Also noteworthy are Makram J. Koury as the master and César Sarachu in various roles.
At one point, the master states, “There are three truths: my truth, your truth and the Truth –my truth, like your truth are just parts of the Truth.”
One truth we can all share is that Peter Brook is still a master, and it would be a shame to miss this heart warming piece about tolerance and wisdom.
Note: In English with very discrete but easy to read surtitles projected on the wall.
Gail
© Etat-critique.com - 10/12/2009
