Afronauts’ is a joy and a privilege to witness, an uplifting true story, of one small freshly minted independent African country’s ambition to win the space race to the moon in 1964.
It’s a clever idea to use acrobatics and circus skills to convey an unfettered desire to fly into space, the cast climbing up each other, defying gravity in three-person high stacks and ribbon-work, with wide smiles of utter self-marvel capturing the hope of their teenage characters. The ensemble are just great in their telling of this tale, filling the real events of Zambia’s space programme with colour and even a touch of immersion. “Yes, Sir!” – and everyone has enlisted. The raw hope is uplifting and contagious.
The narrative is clear, with the Zambia Space Academy introduced by way of participant Martha’s diary, and via her the rest of the Afronauts – the youthful team – and their leader Edward Mukuka Nkoloso. Spliced with historical video clips, wonder-filled aerial work in space suits, and physical theatre, the countdown to their hoped lift-off date builds, through setbacks and unwavering positivity, with colourful costumes and an equally vibrant score. I found myself questioning if they really might make it, with cats as atmosphere-testers and an aluminium rocket. Such is the power of their buoyant chant of “belief!”.
‘Afronauts’ is a family show, of underdogs trying and the power of just that – packed with feelgoodness. It’s bound to be compared to ‘Cool Runnings’, the small African representation against the bigger boys of America and USSR, but it’s its own story. Of a dream that goes beyond Earth and out into unchartered territory. A great thing for every child to believe in.
Afronauts, 13.55, Udderbelly at Underbelly, George Square, 6-31 August (except 12th, 17th & 24th)
