Joseph Boateng, better known as Joe Guy, is a young premiership footballer of Ghanaian heritage. He soon finds himself living the life he has always dreamed of; the fame, the money, the notoriety and of course the bling. Gone are the days when he was mocked for his strong Ghanaian accent, ridiculed by the girls and bullied on all sides and the assault goes as far as him being called Kunta Kinte.
Joe is the new kid on the block until he meets Carlton the menace and Rod Campbell, his team mates and the road to self-destruct is set for this promising young talent. Who questions his own identity as he tries to fit in and finds himself lost in the hype of his own ego.
Joe Guy is an explosive and vulgar exposure about the underlining tensions that exists between Africans and Afro-Caribbeans, as it examines the issues of race and identity through a theatrical lens. It also gives a rare glimpse into the life the premiership world for all its eccentricities.
Roy Williams writes with a birds eye view on his chosen theme as he delivers sensational yet punchy and witty dialogue again and again. Abdul Salis is effulgent as Joe Guy and Mo Sesay, once again has not failed to let his brilliance as an actor shine through. Interestingly, there is great rapport between both men in the opening scene which was hilarious and captivating, makes them a dynamic stage duo.
Elufowoju, Jr, succeeds in his ability to take on an immensely sensitive subject matter and marry it to dramatic artistry, bringing life and humour to an issue that is rather swept aside. While the Despite a muffled up dug-out scene where it was rather challenging to hear Mo Sesay clearly, ‘Joe Guy’ is a sharp, energetic, exciting and brilliant production.
Image courtesy of Tiata Fahodzi and Stepehn Cummiskey.
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