A Law Unto Himself

Tayo Aluko has appeared a couple of times before in my journal... When I blipped him back in September 2014 (www.blipfoto.com/entry/4759799 ) I mentioned that he was writing a new play. This evening I accompanied Spokes to see him perform that very play at The Playhouse!

It's called 'Just An Ordinary Lawyer' and it tells the true story of Tunji Sowande, the Nigerian-born barrister who, in 1978, became Britain's first Black judge. In telling Tunji's story, Tayo tells so much more - showing how one man's life is touched by history, politics, colonialism, racism, music... and cricket! It's a tour de force feat of writing and performance. And, if that weren't enough, there are songs liberally scattered throughout as well.

Like Tunji, Tayo is a Nigerian-born, cricket-lover with a fine baritone voice and a keen sense of social justice. His play certainly does the memory of Tunji Sowande justice. And what more could a judge ask for?

After the performance, Tayo took questions from the audience and was then due to shoot a promo video for the show. He very kindly let me hang around to take a few shots too. He looks so dapper in that suit and bow tie!

I'm not yet able to link to that promo video but here's a clip of Tayo performing in his previous play, 'Call Mr Robeson' www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nshe-NznGnw

You can find out more about 'Just An Ordinary Lawyer' here http://www.tayoalukoandfriends.com/jaol/