A production by Apphia Campbell and Tinashe Warikandwa
A BlakSmith review
by Beverley Smith
INTRO
Exciting times! In November 2023, BlakSmith was invited along to the Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh - to watch the production of ‘Through the Mud’ written and performed by Apphia Campbell. Sis was shook! I haven’t been to a live production (such as a play) in a while, and this was so brilliant to return to. This production was incredibly thought provoking. By the end of the first scene, I had already felt every emotion under the sun. I’ll be giving you a lil’ review of the story, any hidden themes we may find and of the stage production. I’d like to thank the Lyceum Theatre for inviting BlakSmith, amongst other creatives and influencers to the viewing. I would also like to give a huge congratulations to Apphia and Tinashe for showcasing such an amazing glimpse into history.
THE STORY AND THE MESSAGE
“Through the Mud” is based on 2 African American woman, 42 years of age apart. The story focuses on their experiences living through the civil rights movement. Apphia Campbell delves into the struggles brought on by the American social and political system and the power of the media.
We are introduced to our 2 main characters; Assata, played by Apphia and Ambrosia, played by Tinashe. These characters paint such an intriguing and historic story, which is not only based on real life events, but it is also a story still relevant today. “Through the Mud” highlights the racial injustice Black Americans would face against the police system, every single day. Particularly in this story we learn the tactics used to keep these minority groups in a vicious and unfair cycle. A cycle of debt caused by unjust fines and tickets from the police, the battle with the social and political system and the influence that the media had on society and the individuals involved in the civil rights movement. Apphia and Tinashe played their roles so brilliantly, both women really moulded into their characters and brought them to life. The story was told in such an enlightening way that anyone who watches the play, will be moved, regardless of their beliefs.
Okay so, our characters. We have:
Ambrosia, a young girl starting her college journey during the peak of systematic abuse in the US.
Assata Shakur, an older woman working as an active member of the Black Panther party, also during the peak of systematic abuse in the US.
Both women lived during such a horrific and draining time, their experiences were brutal & graphic, and both went through the process of being criminalised through political activism. Ambrosia witnessed many police stops and arrests take place near her college, witnessing her own classmates being wrongly arrested, attacked, and belittled on the daily. Ambrosia left the family home for her college journey; this was now her reality and she had to adjust quickly. Assata, along with rest of the Black Panther party – was actively working daily to provide for their community the necessities and the help that they were being deprived of. This had always been her reality.
Assata and her party were involved in a shoot-out against state troopers, and from here is where her reality changed. She was accused and convicted of the fateful shooting of a state trooper and from then, she was on the run. Fleeing her town for her own safety, the media were quick to create propaganda against the BPP and black Africans. Media coverage spread; however, the media’s sources were not very thorough. Posters were incorrectly plastered everywhere of the woman that the media assumed was Assata – due to her dark skin. You could say painting everyone with the same brush.
Wither a hidden message was intentional or not, I picked up on a valuable insight about colourism. A topic I am already aware of but not quite to the extent demonstrated in this story. I loved the contrast between the 2 characters. Both Assata and Ambrosia lived different lives but did share some similarities. One of the biggest differences was the age gap between them, another would be their skin tones and the subliminal discrimination that comes with lighter and darker skin.
So… here we have two black women… In America during the civil rights struggle… challenging the system and the society they live in… and they both lived to tell the story. WELL.
THE PRODUCTION
Every aspect of the show, from the stage lights to the props and on to the spine-chilling yet upbeat music. And can we talk about the vocals?? – adding just another bit of flavour. Every aspect was amazing, and it was all brilliantly put together. ‘Simple yet effective’ is a much-favoured term of mine, and this production was just that.
The stage was a generous size, and our two actresses used the space perfectly. We had only a handful of props; 2 microphones on stands, 2 chairs and 2 boxes – one larger box to hold a cloth and 2 blouses for costume change & an old school red corded-telephone. Simple yet effective. The play was a mix of all the emotions that come with the themes of social injustice, racism, discrimination & systematic abuse. A very thought-provoking story.
The one aspect that really brought the production together, was the music. THE LIFE AND SOUL of any production. The music was described as a – “powerful soundtrack of original music and traditional gospel and blues”- Stellar Quines. The blues music really sets the tone, and this genre fits so well with this period. The traditional gospel music builds anticipation – a genre of hope. The lyrics, the chants, the emotions felt from the actresses through the songs, it was all so intriguingly breath taking. Music is a universal language on its own. The pieces performed in this play were beautiful selected (or created) and definitely brought the themes together.
The story was told in such a way that you moved with every bit of the story line. You fell in love with every character, and you really felt like a part of their journey. This production was presented by only two actresses. AND THAT IS ALL THEY NEEDED. These ladies carried that story line in a way only THEY could.
WHAT DID I TAKE AWAY FROM THIS?
The media has always been a sh*t stirrer xx Jokes xx
No but for real, the media has been stirring the pot since day dot. This production provoked my thoughts and emotions. Leaving the Lyceum Theatre, I felt ignorant to my history, the history of the world and of our cultures. There is so much more to know. Ignorance is bliss yes, but knowing the truth of our history is a must. This play gave me a more in-depth understanding of the events that took place during the civil rights struggle. It gave us a better understanding of the Black Panther Party and the impact they had on their community. Lastly, it has planted the seed to be more active in being politically aware instead being influenced by the media in all its glorious forms.
It also made me want to wear my Afro everyday with more pride and I think that’s awesome x
Again, a massive congratulations to Apphia and Tinashe on this production. ‘Through the Mud’ was a re-vamp of another play by Apphia Campbell called ‘WOKE’, both plays arent available to watch via streaming sites – so when Apphia is next on tour and in your area... DO NOT MISS OUT :)
Thanks for reading a BlakSmith Review, written just for you.
XOXO - GOSSIP GIRL
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