On Stage: La Belle Epoque

The tragic history of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is told sensitively, shockingly and occasionally humorously in La Belle Epoque playing at Theatre Works.

The play’s creator Future D. Fidel, an African Australian playwright, screenplay writer, novelist and producer originally from the DRC, uses a student’s university project as a way of telling this history.

University student Tarisai (Tariro Mavondo) is making a 10-minute documentary about all the wrongs perpetuated on the Congo with the help of friends Isioma (Effie Nkrumah) and Bob (Nelly Kouakou).

Isioma, a Nigerian Australian who came to Australia with her migrant parents when she was a baby, is in a relationship with Chris (Mike Ugo), a Congolese refugee. He is an aspiring actor who also runs a small import business.

Tarisai is naturally keen to use Chris in the documentary but he’s not at all happy to be involved for reasons we eventually discover during the 85-minute play.

The relationship between Isioma and Chris provides a backdrop to Tarisai’s documentary, which charts the history of discovery and exploitation of resources in the DRC such as slaves, rubber, diamonds and rare earth minerals from pre-colonial times to the modern day.

When Isioma discovers she is pregnant she has a major decision to make. Despite neither having any money and Isioma still studying at University, Chris believes they should marry and have the baby. Isioma is not so sure. A meeting with Isioma’s traditional Nigerian parents further throws a spanner in the works.

While the story of the wrongs done to the Congolese, told through the actors words and actions and supporting integrated archival material, are truly appalling, the play also has humorous moments.  These mostly occur as a result of the interaction between the four actors when they are in ‘student’ mode.

References to Neighbours, acting awards and living in Sorrento as opposed to Footscray all got plenty of laughs from an enthusiastic opening night audience.

The work of the four leads was also wholeheartedly  received, with the audience obviously recognising the challenges involved in presenting numerous characters and some shocking and traumatic historical events.

Many of these events, supported by video evidence, understandably produced gasps of horror from the audience especially those relating to the actions of Belgium authorities during the time they ruled the Congo.  As a result La Belle Epoque is certainly thought provoking, ensuring Fidel’s wish his play, which translates to  The Good Old Day, will encourage people to consider when were the Good Old Days for the Congolese.

La Belle Epoque is playing at Theatre Works until July 20.  Visit the Theatre Works website for more information and tickets.

*Photo credit: Future D. Fidel.

Jenny Burns attended the opening night of La Belle Epoque as a guest of the producers.