Tones: A Hip-Hop Opera – Roundabout @ Summerhall

“Tones” emerges as a compelling and thought-provoking piece in a world where art continues to challenge societal norms and push the boundaries of traditional storytelling. Written, acted, and performed by Gerel Falconer, this hip hop opera takes the audience on a visceral journey through the complexities of Black-British identity, class, and belonging. The show, centred around the life of Jerome—a young man grappling with his sense of self after immigrating from Jamaica to the UK—offers a poignant exploration of race and cultural assimilation.

“Tones” follows Jerome as he navigates the harsh realities of being a Black immigrant in Britain. Upon his arrival, Jerome is met with taunts about his skin colour, leaving him isolated on the playground. His desperate attempts to fit in lead him to suppress his true identity, adopting the preferences and behaviours of those around him. However, the struggle to reconcile his Jamaican heritage with the pressures of European culture leaves Jerome yearning for the freedom of his homeland. The narrative reaches a touching and thought-provoking climax when Jerome’s uncle imparts a powerful message: “The mind is a powerful tool; it can change you for worse or better.” This statement underscores the play’s central theme—despite the internal and external challenges Jerome faces, the strength of the mind can dictate the course of one’s life.

Gerel Falconer’s performance in “Tones” is nothing short of remarkable. His ability to weave together writing, acting, and hip hop music creates a unique and immersive experience that captivates the audience from start to finish. Falconer’s portrayal of Jerome is raw and authentic, allowing the audience to feel the character’s inner turmoil and longing for acceptance. The hip hop elements, which are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, serve as a powerful medium for expressing Jerome’s emotions and experiences.

The narrative’s exploration of identity and belonging is both nuanced and deeply relatable. The scene where Jerome expresses that changing his skin colour could make him “Europe’s Michael Jackson” is particularly striking, highlighting the lengths to which people will go to feel accepted in a society that judges them based on appearance. Falconer’s writing shines in these moments, offering a candid reflection on the pressures of conformity and the pain of erasing one’s identity.

“Tones” excels in delivering a strong and impactful message about the pervasive nature of racism and the struggles faced by those who are judged solely by the colour of their skin. The emotional depth of the story is matched by Falconer’s dynamic performance, which resonates deeply with the audience.

However, while the show is powerful in its narrative and performance, it could benefit from the use of props to enhance the visual storytelling. The addition of props might have added another layer of depth to the production, helping to further immerse the audience in Jerome’s world. Despite this, the minimalist approach did not detract from the overall impact of the show.

“Tones” is an exceptional piece of theatre that succeeds in conveying a vital message through the innovative medium of hip hop opera. Gerel Falconer’s talent as a writer, actor, and performer is evident, and his ability to connect with the audience is truly commendable. The fact that the show resonated with a diverse audience, including many Europeans who embraced Falconer after the performance, speaks volumes about the universal appeal and importance of the message conveyed. “Tones” is a testament to the power of art to transcend cultural boundaries and challenge societal norms, making it a standout production at the Fringe.

As I watched the show, even though it centred around racism and the painful experiences of being judged by the colour of one’s skin, I was deeply moved by the sight of so many Europeans in the audience enjoying and embracing Falconer after the performance. This, to me, conveyed a profoundly touching message: not all whites are the same. Many possess a compassionate heart that sees beyond colour and embraces the humanity in everyone. This is one of the things I love most about the Fringe—it doesn’t shy away from difficult topics but treats artists as artists, welcoming everyone and valuing each person for who they are, not just for the subject matter they present. The atmosphere of inclusivity and respect at the Fringe is what makes it such a special place for both performers and audiences alike.

Reviewer: Saira Kunjuvalappil (Saira ks)

Reviewed: 26th August 2024

North West End UK Rating: