Perle Noire: Meditations For Josephine

Julia Bullock, Tyshawn Sorey, International Contemporary Ensemble

Directed by Peter Sellers

Her Majesty’s Theatre

1 March

*****

This remarkable production looks at Josephine Baker (1906 – 1975), her amazing career in France with a close look at the racism she faced in her home country of the United States and, in a different way, in her adopted France.

The text, written by Claudia Rankine, is delivered in the first person. Julia Bullock as Josephine, becomes Josephine, with all the dialogue, singing, dancing and the acting that came with the real Josephine Baker. And what a marvel she is, bringing to the fore the dramas and prejudices that she experienced during her life, despite living in an apparently less judgemental country, including the raising of twelve adopted children, deliberately from contrasting backgrounds. All whilst dominating the stage as if it were hers.

Of course, the other major component of the production is the music. We were graced with the presence of the composer, pianist and drummer, Tyshawn Sorey. His compositional skills were never in question, winner of numerous awards, as well as being an acclaimed jazz musician. His score perfectly suited the subject matter, from jazzy snippets to dramatic moments and all in-between. Aside from Sorey, the supporting musicians were exceptional. Jennifer Curtis on violin excelled throughout, as did Rebekah Heller on bassoon,  Alice Teyssier, flute, and Travis Laplante on saxophone.

The final piece of the puzzle is the direction of Peter Sellers, which is, as usual, impeccable.

This is great art and great art should not be missed.