| 08 August 2009
The World @ St George’s West
6-31 August, 15.00
Mercy Madonna of Malawi is a lively musical which explores whether or not it is right for a child to be removed from her culture and family to enjoy a life of privilege. While the musical may not be an obvious format for the thought provoking discussion of serious moral dilemmas, the show manages to balance humour with a very real discussion of the issues.
It provides an interesting insight into the palpable pride of Malawians in their country and their continent and has been fine tuned as the cast performed in the streets, schools and universities of Malawi, gathering a rich understanding of popular opinion. Moreover, while its humour can verge on slapstick (Madonna is played by a large African man in a blond wig) it also provides some lingering and disturbing images of a country where money can take you above the law, as children clamour and dance around ‘Madonna’ wearing ‘Adopt me’ T-shirts.
The real strength of the show however, lies in its enthusiastic and talented cast who keep the pace quick and the material engaging. Issues of morality aside, the show is filled with great music and rhythmic, energetic dance that is rarely found in Edinburgh. The power of the cast’s largely unaccompanied voices is particularly special and the show will leave you feeling alive and fully engaged with the wider world.
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