Crucible Studio Theatre, Sheffield – until 26th February 2022
Reviewed by Sophie Dodworth
4****
Far Gone is at the Crucible Studio theatre which is the perfect place for it to debut its tour. The theatre is small and intimate which really suits the one-man production.
The audience is drawn in right from walking into the Studio. There we meet Okumu, in Uganda, playing with a toy as he looks for volunteers from the audience to play with him. Before the production starts, we are instructed to verbally join in on certain parts of the show which, evidently later, really contributes and adds to the atmosphere.
Be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster as you are taken on this journey. Follow Okumu on his heart wrenching journey of being taken by the Lords Resistance Army, as a young boy. We watch him grow with the LRA and go through some of the most testing times with them, physically and mentally. He witnesses and causes death, pain and heartache.
Okumu is played by John Rwothomack who also wrote this show. What a performance by this talented man. He also takes on the roles of all the other characters in the performance, not an easy feat. His ability to switch between characters and never falter is astonishing. The use of the stage and the movement, created by Movement Director Akeim Toussaint Buck, is crucial to keeping this show fluid and clear to the audience.
The set by Kevin Jenkins is minimal, barely there really; just some decorative pieces hanging but they do make some atmospheric shapes when the lighting is just right over them. The same can be said for the lighting (by designer – Will Monks), not many lights at all but the way the lighting used is done expertly and is so effective.
This show really is a must see… it has the solid talent, enticing story line and really leaves you thinking about what you have just seen. Isn’t that what theatre is supposed to do?