THE FULL NELSON
written and performed by Donald Carr, directed by Ronald Weihs
designed by Judith Sandiford
Jan 25 to Feb 13, 2005
Artword Theatre
75 Portland Street, Toronto
A virtuoso multi-media voyage invoking the spirit of Nelson Mandela, a high-voltage view of the universe and a Black man in it.
 Presented by DC Productions, AfriCan Theatre Ensemble and Artword Theatre

DONALD CARR’S PHANTASMAGORIC TRIP THROUGH BLACK EXPERIENCE

The Full Nelson, Donald Carr’s homage to Nelson Mandela, is a trip through the agony and ecstasy of Black History in the face of European colonialism. For Carr, Nelson Mandela is the latest in a succession of Black heroes who have overcome the brutal negativity of colonialism and apartheid and brought a message of redemption to the world. After 30 years on Robben Island, Nelson emerged with a message not of vengeance but of reconciliation.

Spectacularly staged to highlight Carr's physical dexterity, the production has him hanging high overhead and balancing on skeletal steel frameworks, illuminated by shafts of light. Giant projections and animations provide a visual counterpoint to Carr's vivid and passionate text. Thomas Baker, provides a livel soundscape drawing on a wide range of musical styles, from hip hop to jazz to classical to the most contemporary of new music sounds.

Billed as a "hip-hopera", the work is divided into six arias:
• Angelitos Negros
• Midnight Robber
• The Riddler
• Shiva
• Pied Piper
• Angelitos Negros II

Each portrays a different aspect of the Black psyche, tracing its progress through the pre-history and history of the world to the present.
Donald Carr

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