Moss Meunier
Kafka’s Ape is a compelling adaptation of Kafka’s “Report to an Academy”, subtly transforming the original text into a universally relatable yet unsettling exploration of what it means to adapt as an “other” in society. With only minor changes to the source material, such as references to the multiple languages of South Africa, the performance evokes the more recent horrors of Apartheid, yet leaves room for interpretation to other marginalised identities. Tony Miyambo’s captivating portrayal of Red Peter, an ape-turned-man delivering a lecture on his transformation, keeps you spellbound from start to finish.
Originally, Kafka’s story centres on an ape, once a chimpanzee, who delivers a report to an academy on his domestication and evolution into a human mind trapped in an ape’s body. In this adaptation, the narrative resonates with the lingering shadows of colonialism and Apartheid, but the themes are broad enough to speak to anyone who has felt the pressure to conform in a society that sees them as “other.”
The performance unfolds as a lecture, with Miyambo masterfully embodying Red Peter. He grunts, scratches himself, drags his knuckles across the stage, and swings from bars—all without the aid of any makeup. Yet, through the sheer power of his performance, the ape comes vividly to life. If the sight of a black man portraying an ape stirs discomfort, Miyambo encourages you to sit with that unease as Red Peter recounts his capture and violent domestication at the hands of sailors who spat at him.
The emotional weight of the piece is profound. As Red Peter insists on his gratitude for being domesticated, his condescending attitude towards his past self, and his forgiveness towards those who mistreated him, it is impossible not to be moved. His journey of forced adaptation to the world of the civilised human, to escape a worse fate as a captive ape, carries a resonating, universal truth. Miyambo fully inhabits Red Peter, making it easy to forget that this is a fictional performance. He strikes a perfect balance, blending ape-like movements with a wise, deeply human voice, revealing Red Peter as a wonderfully intelligent and complex character.
While the show is not subtle in its message—Red Peter holds up a newspaper with the headline “STOP THE RACIST LIES” midway through, and there are explicit references to skin colour, gender, and sexuality as markers of otherness—these moments are delivered with such sincerity that they feel like a natural part of the lecture.
Kafka’s Ape is a heartbreaking, tear-jerking experience with a universal message about our differences and the shared humanity that unites us. It is a definite must-see at this Edinburgh Fringe season.
Recommended Drink: I’ll have to go with Red Peter’s favourite, a strong whiskey to get through the days when it feels like you’ve changed every aspect of yourself to survive.
You can catch Kafka’s Ape at Summerhall – Demonstration Room from Aug 19-26 at 10:40. Tickets are available through the EdFringe Box Office.
Jake Mace
