M'Bassu means the fire of the spirit in Jean Pierre Makosso's Congolese dialect and refers to the heart of inspiration, which Makosso promises will ignite heart and soul in a whirlwind ride of delight at Gibsons Heritage Playhouse on May 7 at 7 p.m. and May 8 at 4 p.m.
An inspired storyteller, Makosso exudes an infectious brilliance from the moment he steps onto the stage, his huge smile illuminating the theatre and his drumming, singing and dancing inviting the audience to join in. When the equally inspired storyteller John Conway (wearing the mask of a pouting child) skateboards into M'Bassu, the stage is set for two masters of slapstick to clown, play and endear their way into the hearts and imaginations of children and adults alike.
Conway's irresistible spontaneity explodes forth as his mask is removed, helping him to find his true nature and the stories within. The original stories, told in English, Scottish, Irish, French and African (John provides the English subtitles) even include one performed in mask with rhythm and sounds but no words.
Makosso grew up in a small village in the African Congo, some 6,000 miles away from Conway's Southern Ontario birthplace. Yet the two possess similar styles. Believing that children are the heart of a community, they focus most on telling stories to young minds - at the same time realizing that young hearts beat in every chest, regardless of years. For that reason they share their unique spark, fire, ideas and inspiration with all audiences. Conway and Makosso believe passionately in the healing magic of laughter and stories and, as true clowns, they encourage everyone to feel the M'Bassu in smiles, song and dance.
