Since September 29, 2022, the Bobino theater in Paris has hosted a musical whose ambition is to tell “The epic” of the black American community during the 20th century. Twenty singers, dancers and musicians revitalize in 36 tableaux the great episodes of a thrilling human adventure, from the Cotton Club to the election of Barack Obama.
Directed by Valéry Rodriguez, this French production brilliantly takes up the challenge of giving social meaning to a repertoire that has become universal. Without dwelling on the drama of slavery, segregation and institutionalized racism, the story does not, however, elude the bullying and humiliation of black Americans. Affirming one’s identity and claiming it was a daily struggle and remains an eminently lively issue. This is why “Black Legends” invites us to celebrate the expressive power of black music. From the haunting blues of slaves to the rallying cries of Soul-Music singers, from the reckless swing of early bandleaders to the incandescent rebellion of rappers, America’s musical evolution is the soundtrack to a century of resilience and triumph. .
From Cab Calloway to Beyonce, African-American artists have succeeded in imposing a flamboyant culture and a positive image despite setbacks and tragedies. Hearing the voices of Martin Luther King or the words of Barack Obama punctuate this whirlwind of eternal melodies illustrates, with relevance, the unbreakable link between art and civic engagement. If we can legitimately wonder about the political dimension of recreational music like disco, no one can deny that dance is an aspiration to freedom of body and mind. The abuse that black people in America suffered could only be endured through necessary artistic exaltation.
One of the highlights of “Black Legends” is undoubtedly the interpretation of the Sam Cooke classic, ” A change is gonna come », Brilliantly performed by Barry Johnson and Anandha Seethanen, whose vocal fervor instantly wins the support of the spectators as this song carries the timeless hope of a fairer world. “The epic of Black Music” undoubtedly embraces the social challenges of our time and “Black Legends” is its sumptuous representation. All you have to do is let yourself be caught up in the rhythmic poetry and inspired notes of these twenty very convincing artists!
⇒ Black Legends at Bobino, until January 8, 2023.