The Amen Corner

Gospel play makes waves on South Bank

Rufus Norris has resurrected the Amen corner by James Baldwin, first published in 1954, in a startling production with an emotional spectrum which ranges from the ecstatic to the traumatic. Said ecstasy is transmitted through the medium of gospel music: a cast bursting with talent and sets of powerful lungs is bolstered by members of the London Community Gospel Choir, and the resultant sound is one of infectious musical expression. Yet the tale, set in 1950s Harlem has far darker undertones, as it tells of a fractured community further divided by jealousy and prejudice.

Norris' production finds vitality at the core of this play, and it is the joyous music juxtaposed with the tragic plot which truly transports the south bank right into the heart of a Harlem church community.

What is The Amen Corner about?

Teenager David is growing up fast, and feeling increasingly that his true calling is as a jazz musician. The many influential figures in his life however all want to weigh in and offer their two cents? worth, namely his mother Margaret, who is a devoted church pastor; his aunt Odessa; and Sister Moore.

These willful women are one day challenged by David's errant Father, Luke, who appears after years of absence. A jazz trombonist by trade, he feels as if he should have more of a say on David's future. Thus David finds himself at the eye of the storm, as people vie for influence, each perhaps with ulterior motives at heart...