Black Russian: A Real Black Mormon Missionary in Moscow (Fringe review) 3 Stars ***

Black Russian: A Real Black Mormon Missionary in Moscow is a solo biographical performance from Dr. Michael Morris who was, as the title of the show suggests, a black young missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in post-Soviet Russia. 

Morris takes us through his initial upbringing within church, his conversion at Harvard to the Mormons and then onto the streets of Moscow through a series of short explanations and song. 

Bursting onto the stage, Morris opens theatrically – he is being chased by Russian skinheads in the middle of Moscow. He then takes us back to his youthful connection to the church being dragged literally along, until he is introduced whilst at Harvard to the Church of Latter Day Saints. They don’t tell him that up until 1978 he was would have been banned because of his colour, but that does not deter him from eventually becoming a missionary. Having studied Russian literature at university it seemed an obvious choice to send him to Russia, to all apart from Morris himself.

There is no doubt to the authenticity in the writing or to the theatrical quality – the man can tell a story. There are musical interludes which dominate, and he can sing ; the majesty of hymns, the compelling rhythm of gospel and the heights of opera are all on display. When he talks of wanting to be a ballet dancer, it is quite clear that he retains that physical ability and poise. 

In terms of the set, it’s just one single chair with a Russian hat on. It’s functional. The only discordant note in the sound was the incessant bagpipes from outside. These things happen.  His costume is very reminiscent of Trump, with the red tie, but that does not hinder the positivity of the experience. Wotsit, anyone?

Morris is an engaging performer, clearly gifted in terms of storytelling. The problem was that, engaging though it was, I wanted to know more about his faith. Was it still intact, the reality of the Russian experience and so much more. In half an hour this felt like a snippet of what he wanted to say. Black Russian takes you close to the top of the mountain but does not come back down with the tablets of insight that I was looking for. 

Black Russian is at C Aquila until 15th August