Brave Bettie Review: A Nocturnal Adventure to Save a Cherished Oak Tree
Arts Depot, London – In Tatenda Naomi Matsvai's evocative new play Brave Bettie, two new friends embark on a daring nocturnal mission to protect a cherished oak tree from destruction by the local council. Aimed primarily at young audiences aged three to eight, this production weaves together folk tales with contemporary environmental activism, creating a rich tapestry of storytelling that celebrates nature and friendship.
Two Stories Entwined in Nature
The play unfolds through two interconnected narratives. The first is a Zimbabwean folk tale about Paida Moyo, a heroic figure who defends her kingdom from threatening forces and rescues an injured lioness. This story is passionately read by schoolgirl Bettie, setting the stage for her own adventure. The second narrative follows Bettie as she joins forces with Paida Moyo to save a mighty oak tree from being felled to make way for a new car park—a plan devised by what the play portrays as a villainous local council.
While the folk tale sections risk overwhelming younger viewers with their headlong pacing, the main adventure unfolds at a more measured rhythm. This allows for moments of wisdom and reflection to emerge alongside the derring-do, creating a balanced theatrical experience that both entertains and educates.
Evocative Writing and Environmental Themes
Matsvai, who previously demonstrated poetic flair in the teenage-focused play Hot Orange (co-written with Amal Khalidi), excels here in celebrating woodland wonders. The production soars when exploring nature's ancient and mysterious connections, partly conveyed through Axel Kacoutié's music and sound design. When Bettie magically passes inside the old oak tree, the moment carries echoes of Studio Ghibli's My Neighbor Totoro, while the play's impassioned environmental message positions Bettie as a modern-day Lorax figure speaking for the trees.
Performance and Production Elements
Abena Adoma brings genial warmth to the role of ancestral guide Paida Moyo, engaging the audience from the outset with introductions to Shona language and rain-dance rituals. Joanna Nsianguana's portrayal of Bettie effectively captures the character's oscillation between dread and determination as she discovers her companion isn't quite as fearless as the storybook version suggested.
Emily Walls' lighting design creates a twinkling forest atmosphere with green bulbs, though some elements feel subdued even for a night-time adventure. Bolu Dairo's set design occasionally features animals literally popping up, reinforcing the theme of human-animal friendship. While Abigail Kelly's production for Half Moon and Z-arts sometimes lacks dynamism—particularly during forest navigation scenes—it remains attuned to nature's sensory experiences through smells, tastes, and rhythms.
Educational Elements and Pacing Considerations
The production incorporates educational moments about recycling, nesting, and the soothing properties of dock leaves, though these sometimes slow the journey's pace alongside occasional laborious scene changes. The play's keen sense of mythology remains deeply embedded throughout, much like the ancient tree at its center.
Brave Bettie ultimately serves as horizon-widening theatre that encourages audiences to appreciate their nearest green spaces. The production continues touring until March 15th, offering families an engaging introduction to environmental stewardship through the lens of friendship and folklore.
