"Mojo" by Jez Butterworth: A Dark Comedy Set in 1950s London
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Jez Butterworth's 'Mojo' is a dark comedy play set in 1950s Soho, London, depicting the power struggle in the criminal underworld of a nightclub. It follows characters like Silver Johnny, an emerging rock star, and gang leaders Ezra and Sam Ross. Themes of drug abuse, violence, and the rock 'n roll era are intertwined with humor, reflecting the cultural influences of the time.
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Outline
Overview of Jez Butterworth's Play "Mojo"
Jez Butterworth's "Mojo" is a compelling play set in the late 1950s, specifically in the seedy underbelly of Soho, London. Premiering in 1995 at The Royal Court Theatre, the play captures the zeitgeist of the rock 'n roll era through the lens of a dark comedy. It centers on the character Silver Johnny, an up-and-coming rock star, and the power struggle between two gang leaders, Ezra and Sam Ross, who vie for control over him and the nightclub where he performs. The play's dark humor is evident as it deals with serious themes such as drug abuse, power struggles, and violence with a comedic undertone.The Etymology and Meanings of "Mojo"
The word "mojo" has a rich history and multiple meanings, often associated with magic, allure, and personal influence. Its origins can be traced to the Fulɓe language of West Africa, where "moco'o" described a 'medicine man'. The term evolved into "mojo" and became popular in the African American community, particularly among musicians in the 1920s jazz scene. It has been referenced in various musical genres, including blues and rock, with artists like Preston ‘Red’ Forrester and Jim Morrison incorporating it into their lyrics. In modern vernacular, "mojo" is commonly used to denote one's self-confidence or sex appeal, with expressions such as "losing one's mojo" or "getting one's mojo back" indicating a change in one's personal dynamism or charm.Synopsis of "Mojo"
Set in 1958, "Mojo" unfolds over two acts within the claustrophobic setting of The Atlantic nightclub. The story begins with a secret meeting between the club's owner, Ezra, and a rival gang leader, Sam Ross. Meanwhile, Ezra's employees, Sweets and Potts, are high on amphetamines, discussing the meeting's potential outcomes. Baby, Ezra's son, exhibits signs of psychological disturbance and mistreatment, particularly in his interactions with Skinny, another gang member. The narrative escalates when Ezra's mutilated body is found, and Silver Johnny goes missing. The gang members, fearing for their lives, lock themselves inside the club, arming themselves with makeshift weapons. As the situation intensifies, Baby's manipulative and violent nature becomes apparent, leading to a dramatic shift in the gang's hierarchy.Character Dynamics in "Mojo"
"Mojo" features an all-male cast, each character deeply embedded in the grim realities of nightclubs, drugs, and gang warfare. Their interactions are laced with profanity and treachery, and the threat of violence looms large. Silver Johnny is the only character with a talent outside of the gang's activities, making him a valuable asset in the eyes of others. Baby, in particular, is a multifaceted character who, despite being abused and underestimated, demonstrates a disturbing propensity for dominance and violence. The dynamics between characters like Mickey, who betrays the gang, and Skinny, whose fate is sealed by the play's end, underscore themes of loyalty, ambition, and the pursuit of power.The Significance of Baby's Monologue in "Mojo"
A pivotal moment in "Mojo" is Baby's monologue, which occurs in the second act. Through this monologue, Baby recounts a haunting memory of a trip with his father, Ezra, revealing the dysfunctional nature of their relationship. Initially fearing for his life, Baby describes how his father instead commits an act of animal cruelty for profit. The monologue is interspersed with lyrics from The Coasters' song "Yakety Yak," juxtaposing Baby's traumatic experiences with the more typical interactions between parents and children suggested by the song. This monologue is crucial for understanding Baby's complex character and his subsequent actions within the narrative."Mojo" as a Reflection of Dark Comedy and Cultural Influence
"Mojo" exemplifies the genre of dark comedy, using humor to explore serious and often taboo subjects. The play is also a cultural artifact of the 1950s, capturing the essence of the rock 'n roll era and its associated lifestyle. Its depiction of crime and rapid narrative progression bear similarities to the gangster films of the late 1990s by Guy Ritchie, such as "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" and "Snatch." These films, like "Mojo," combine a fast-paced plot with a darkly comedic view of the criminal underworld, demonstrating the lasting impact of Butterworth's work on British cinema and popular culture.
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Setting and Plot
Late 1950s Soho, London
The play is set in the seedy underbelly of Soho, London during the late 1950s
The Atlantic nightclub
Secret meeting between Ezra and Sam Ross
The play's plot is driven by a secret meeting between two gang leaders at The Atlantic nightclub
Silver Johnny's disappearance
The main conflict of the play arises when Silver Johnny, an up-and-coming rock star, goes missing
Baby's monologue
A pivotal moment in the play occurs when Baby, Ezra's son, delivers a haunting monologue
Power Struggle and Violence
The play explores themes of power struggles and violence through the interactions between gang leaders and their employees
The Meaning of "Mojo"
Origins and Evolution of the Term
The word "mojo" has its roots in the Fulɓe language of West Africa and has evolved to have multiple meanings, including magic, allure, and personal influence
References in Music
The term "mojo" has been referenced in various musical genres, including blues and rock, and is often associated with self-confidence and sex appeal
Modern Usage
In modern vernacular, "mojo" is commonly used to describe one's personal dynamism or charm
Characters and Themes
All-Male Cast
The play features an all-male cast, each deeply embedded in the grim realities of nightclubs, drugs, and gang warfare
Dark Humor and Serious Themes
"Mojo" uses dark humor to explore serious themes such as drug abuse, power struggles, and violence
Loyalty, Ambition, and Pursuit of Power
The play's characters are driven by themes of loyalty, ambition, and the pursuit of power, leading to treacherous and violent interactions
"Mojo" by Jez Butterworth: A Dark Comedy Set in 1950s London
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Click on each Card to learn more about the topic
00
Set in ______, 'Mojo' revolves around Silver Johnny, an emerging rock star, and the rivalry between ______ and ______ for dominance over him.
Soho, London
Ezra
Sam Ross
01
Original meaning of 'mojo' in Fulɓe language
'Moco'o' referred to a medicine man in Fulɓe culture.
02
Mojo's popularity in 1920s America
Became widely used among African American jazz musicians.
