The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui

Published Friday 22 February 2008 at 12:30 by Catherine Usher

Brecht’s tale of a dictator in the making fits comfortably into an African setting, relocated from the thirties Chicago mobster era in which he originally set it.

Those who know their history will see the thinly disguised parallels with Hitler’s rise to power - Arturo Ui starts off unpolished like Hitler, Giri represents Luftwaffe commander Goring, while Roma fulfils the same fatal destiny as Hitler’s long-time comrade Ernst Rohm.

Even without this knowledge though, this cautionary story is so cleverly developed it resonates with a wide audience.

Introducing the show and then quickly declaring himself as the star, Lucian Msamati’s Ui at first looks the unlikely dictator in his combat trousers, red string vest and, obscurely, a Liverpool Football Club sweatband on his wrist.

But his small stature and unquenchable desire for power are signs that he is a hostile, insecure, little tyrant in the making - and his thuggish behaviour is slowly developed into a slicker, but equally sinister package.

With a superb supporting cast, particular highlights are Christopher Obi’s menacing Giri, Ariyon Bakare’s more thoughtful Roma and Susan Salmon’s dual role as the flirtatious Dockdaisy and the reserved, fearful Betty Dullfeet.

How the regime’s leader takes hold with a combination of brainwashing and intimidation is frightening to witness and so welcome moments of comedy - such as when Ui is given some deportment lessons by a very theatrical actor (Joseph Mydell) - are priceless.

But ultimately it is Msamati’s performance the play hinges on and he rises to the challenge with relish and conviction. Managing to convey far more than caricature lunacy, he shows how an ambitious man can take hold of power and manipulate those around him with unsettling ease.