21 October 2011

Yaw's House presents a new local production. A young African boy sets out to conquer the world and his pubescent emotions, armed only with an overwhelming passion for Bob Marley, and the wisdom of his grandmother. No matter how hard you boil the water, it will always cool down; the crab never gives birth to an eagle.

About this production...

Me, Marley and I is the true life account of a younger Yaw. Told to the backdrop of live reggae music, this is a story of brutal survival, true love and friendship during an African military revolution. Yaw explains, "These were the times I grew up in, a life of privilege that was a trigger finder away from obliteration. I was brought up too well not to question the wrongs that surrounded me. However, this was not a positive survival trait in angry times. Teenagers with opinions were an endangered species. My only saving grace in those times was the wisdom of my grandmother, the power of first love, and my total immesion into Marley's music. Everthing's Gonna Be Alright!"

This bittersweet portrait of survival brings to life a different time in a different culture. Gloriously funny and warm, this true story jolts sharply into focus the horror of living through an African revolution. Written by and starring Yaw Asiyama. Featuring the music of Bob Marley.

Acclaim and criticism...

“Yaw Asiyama recreates a powerful and honest account of real life experiences through thoughtful storytelling, whilst developing a strong and emotional connection to his audience. His engaging performance, poignantly complimented by live music, using the songs of the great Bob Marley, mirrors the ups and downs of growing up as a young man in Ghana” _{Euton Daley, Artistic Director, Pegasus Theatre}


“Yaw uses heart felt, authentic and insight full storytelling to transport his audience to a Ghana of revolution. Through the eyes of a 16 year old, we experience the, joy, excitement, love, comedy, fears and realities of war; and through the wisdom of elders we see the love that transcends conflict and rebuilds nations. Marley’s music (beautifully played) both heightens and under pins the emotions, creating connections, while adding pulse to the piece’s heart beat. Yaw as a man adds his song to this emotive journey, giving the audience personal insight through this brave piece of theatre” _{Amantha Edmead, Kuumba Nia Arts}

“Captivating, humorous, and moving, are just a few words that come to mind after watching Yaw Asiyama heart warming production Me, Marley and I. 
As I listened to the light hearted true story of this young Ghanaian boy set to the back drop of an African revolution, I marvelled at how suddenly the everyday normality of life, growing up, dating and the ups and downs of friendship can physically be shaped and unexpectedly interrupted by the political climate and culture of the time. 
To be catapulted into an adolescent world familiar enough to relate yet striking and provocative in sharing the reality of living in a hostile Country.
 The themes of change, loss and courage run throughout the play woven with Bob Marley’s evocative music, Yaw’s play maybe set to the back drop of the African revolution but it is not the revolution that dominates the play, but the strength of the human spirit.
Yaw masterfully shows us through his vivid characters; how we can choose to allow the pervasive noise of our world to affect us for better or worse when the chaos of the world comes crashing in uninvited.
How do we deal with it as an individual, a family, a community?  This is the dynamic which draws the audience into the story, creating a memorising connection between Yaw and his audience.
Me Marley and I reminds us, if we instruct our children wisely, even though the world we live in may change, we can be confident that Everything’s Gonna be Alright” _{Jeanette McCarthy}

Box Office

Tickets can be purchased by phoning 07941 482360.

Seats are not allocated.