Hive City Legacy at the Roundhouse

Hive City Legacy at the Roundhouse | Theatre review

19^th July 2019

19 July 2019

Hive City Legacy is an international collaborative performance which discusses the London experiences of “nine femme’s of colour” in an explosive and unforgettable night. Returning to the Roundhouse theatre after a successful year of touring, the show does not disappoint or apologise for breaking boundaries and stereotypes that exist within British culture today.

The performance is composed of episodic scenes that not only feature the diverse talents of all the performers but are vastly political, referring to racial issues, the patriarchy and breaking stereotypical moulds. Viewers are shown spoken word, music, dance and circus throughout the play, all of which are portrayed through a quintessential British lens. The audience are treated to satire as they are shown depictions referring to British culture, from the tube to an exploitive office party, the national anthem with a never-ending flag and a posh rap about Nando’s and not acknowledging racism. All these scenes and more featured in the production, while providing comedy, are incredibly powerful and hold a mirror to our culture, asking us for acknowledgement and accountability. By the end of the performance, the audience are given the motivation towards political revolution and are literally celebrating and dancing with the actors in a world of bright colours and music.

Hive City Legacy is a production made entirely of women of colour sharing their experiences in thrilling and enlightening ways. Lisa Fa’alafi has managed to direct the performance in a manner which is powerful, alive with energy and exceptionally engaging to watch. The show is fresh, current and gives a voice to the new generation living in Britain today. This staging has to be applauded for not only creating an engaging storytelling experience but also for its bravery politically as it stands for collective kindness and a future community that embraces self-love. By the end of the play, you cannot help but feel empowered and chant the bright red lit mantra shown on the set: Activate, Pollinate, Liberate.

★★★★★

Emma-Jane Betts
Photos: Helen Murray

Hive City Legacy is at the Roundhouse from 15^th July until 30^th July 2019. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.