A Season in the Congo extends to 24 Aug 2013

A Season in the Congo by Aime Cesaire, which opened last week at the Young Vic Theatre to good notices from the popular press, has extended another week and is now running to 24 August 2013.

Directed by Joe Wright & Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, the cast includes Chiwetel Ejiofor (Patrice Lumumba), Daniel Kaluuya (Mokutu), Joseph Mydell (Kala Lubu).

Bursting with music and dance, this drama charts the rise and fall of legendary leader Patrice Lumumba, whose passionate determination to free his people from Belgian rule inspired great courage and betrayal. Tells the true story of the 1960 Congo rebellion and assassination of the political leader Patrice Lumumba in three turbulent acts. After taking control of the newly-formed coalition government, the charismatic leader is immediately beset by resistance from European economic interests, American policymakers and long-simmering tribal divisions. Securing the assistance of a UN peacekeeping force only serves to further divide the Congolese people as Belgian arms and soldiers start to pour into the country. Stripped of his position and placed under house arrest, Lumumba attempts a final march to power but is fatally betrayed by a former ally.