PREVIEW: The Brothers Size (Silo Theatre)

Jarod Rawiri (middle) plays Ogun Size

Jarod Rawiri sizes up latest role [by Sharu Delilkan]

Jarod Rawiri (middle) plays Ogun Size

Jarod Rawiri has taken to the ‘ghetto lingo’ of Boston like a duck to water.

He plays Ogun Size, one of the three main characters in Silo Theatre’s latest production The Brothers Size.

Rawiri says he has really enjoyed creating the movement for the vocabulary, which he says “has almost become second nature to me.

“Having worked in Red Leap Theatre’s The Arrival has really helped me with this part of my role.”

Another interesting part of being involved in The Silo production has been discovering the West African myths that form the backbone of his character Ogun’s ethnic history.

“It has been really interesting learning about the Yorùbán spirituality, particularly finding about their Gods,” he says.

This aspect of playing Ogun has been a joy for Rawiri not only because he relishes research but because “I like having material to drawn on.”

As part of this process Rawiri has discovered that Ogun is the God of Iron, Creativity and Violence.

“Playing Ogun I am very aware of what he signifies and it’s been great figuring out what that means in the context of the play.”

Written by Tarell Alvin McCraney, The Brothers Size relocates Nigerian myth to the grit of urban reality, the Projects. McCraney’s writing is riddled with a wealth of traditions as well as providing his interpretations of their relevance to contemporary audiences.

Rawiri is also really enjoying working with fellow actors Pua Magasiva (his wayward younger brother Oshoosi) and Te Kohe Tuhaka (ex-con Elegba), both of whom are really good mates.

“Knowing each other has definitely helped. 

“And the rehearsals have gone particularly well because everyone has been so generous in the rehearsal process, by bringing everything to the table.”

The Brothers Size marks Rawiri’s fourth Silo production and third time he’s worked with director Shane Bosher, who he describes as “an intuitive director and who trusts in the ability of actors and what they can achieve.  He is great at reading people and getting the best out of them.”

Rawiri admits The Brothers Size is the first script he has ever read at one sitting.

“I love the lyrical, simple language and how raw the play is.

“Its real characters, language and character driven nature made the script unputdownable.”

And lastly Rawiri’s background, of growing up in Glen Innes during his youth, has really helped him embrace and appreciate the ghetto culture.

One thing, however that has been different and interesting has been trying to understand the black man’s struggle, “which is totally different from being a Maori man.

“I’m very sure of who I am and where I came from.  But Ogun is still discovering his roots, particularly since the whole African American culture is one that was born out of slavery.”

Theatre for Twenty-somethings [by James Wenley]

Silo Theatre's TWENTYSOMETHINGS
Hot theatre for hot young Twenty-somethings?

As a twenty-something recent uni graduate, I’m very aware about how pricey professional theatre can be. Heck, if it wasn’t for this blogging business there would be no way I could afford to see as much theatre as I’d hope to.

I’m glad to see then that Silo are trying out a new initiative with The Brothers Size and the rest of their plays in this year’s season: “Twentysomething” which offers a special night where under 30s can buy tickets for cheap. Booyah!

 This from Silo:

Silo Theatre has just launched EXPLODED NARRATIVES: 2011’s lineup of fiction, faction and revision. Our season catalogue has hit the streets and tickets are flying out the door. This year, we’re playing around with the concept of narrative and blowing it apart a bit. This is contemporary storytelling which grabs from a wide platform of sources: we’ve been inspired by Vanity Fair, hip-hop culture, revisionist drama and 80s music videos. It’s all about an audacious exchange of ideas. To celebrate Silo Theatre has created four TWENTYSOMETHING nights for 2011:

If you get nostalgic over NKOTB and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, traded Garbage Pail Kids or owned a chatter ring, this one’s for you. During the run of each play, Silo Theatre is offering folk aged 30 or under the chance to see work at a heavily discounted rate. Take advantage of a TWENTYSOMETHING subscription and you’ll pay as little as $20 a ticket. 

Awesome idea Silo. I’ll be attending the first of these Twentysomething gigs for The Brothers Size performance Monday May 31 at 6:30pm with the show starting at 7pm.

*  The Brothers Size plays at the Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre from 26 May to 18 June.  Details see www.silotheatre.co.nz

Book your tickets to the TWENTYSOMETHING performance of THE BROTHERS SIZE through www.buytickets.co.nz or phone 09 357 3355

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