Utterly irreverent, startlingly un-PC, sexually explicit and refreshingly devoid of any bad language. Result – hilarious. (Review by Caroline Smart)
After his long-running gig as King of the Comedy Underground, John Vlismas returns to Durban and to the Heritage Theatre to present POW for a short season. Well-known for his whacky attire, his current hair style looks like a cross between a Mohican and a badly-mown lawn with wildly waving unruly strands of hair adding to the off-the-wall image. This time round, John Vlismas promises his audiences a “clean” show. Okay, it’s utterly irreverent, startlingly un-PC and sexually explicit but there’s not a swear word in sight. The result is hilarious!
John was challenged that he couldn't be funny without swearing. He’s risen to that challenge with gusto and flown beyond it. He’s even created his own “swear” words – but you need to see the show to understand these! Showing no signs of performance strain, he’s proved that he can entertain an audience for about 70 minutes without interval, keeping them in fits of laughter –– simply by using verbal dynamics to the hilt, being clever, different and acutely observant.
About 15 minutes before the show starts, what appears to be a pre-packaged show introduction is playing but it was barely discernible above the noise. This may work in a standard theatre when the audience is settling but it doesn’t work here in a supper theatre venue.
John Vlismas’s subjects are varied and topical. I doubt anyone seeing this show will be able to listen to an in-flight safety announcement with a straight face again. City Manager Mike Sutcliffe comes in for caustic comment as does Julius Malema but he forthrightly declares that he really likes Jacob Zuma – and then tells you why!
Having explained that he moved from Zimbabwe to South Africa because “you need electricity for comedy”, he dwells extensively on the reproductive organs of both the male and female body. While discussing sex in the bath, he questions the sense of putting vegetables and fruit into bath oil – he’s got a point! - and offers some very funny moments when he images what gay sperm cells might say when they launch forth into the unknown.
You can see that, while it’s not offensive, this is not the best show to take someone who isn’t broadminded!
Along the way, we get impersonations of a Canadian moose – all wide-eyed and awed at its expansive surroundings, gay sharks (of the fish variety!) and a praying mantis eating its mate. Then he hits the ultimate sacred cow – 2010. “Is it really any use?”, he asks. The show will vary each evening as he takes a look at the day’s newspaper headlines.
Durban comedian, Simmi Areff opens for Vlismas on select performances. A genial, likable young law student, the audiences warmed to his short performance which showed much promise for a successful future. He drew attention to the painting, an oil on canvas by John Vlismas titled Good Enough to Raise Us, which stands at the side of the stage.
It comes as a surprise to many Durban theatre goers that John Vlismas has taken up painting. His works now sell for R4,000 upwards and in April, he staged his debut solo exhibition, Off the Reservation, at Obert Contemporary at Melrose Arch in Johannesburg for which he received much critical acclaim. The Melrose Arch shopping centre, by the way, comes in for much ribbing during POW!
John Vlismas has donated his contemporary artwork to be raffled to raise funds to support his friend and colleague Garth Anderson. A well-known Durban theatre personality, Garth Anderson was diagnosed with diabetes seven years ago. He has gradually become more and more physically debilitated over time and is now unable to work. Raffle tickets are R50 each and a limited number are available at the Heritage Theatre.
POW runs from June 12 to 21. The ticket price includes a two-course meal, with coffee and pudding options. I chose the Duo of Bruschetta for starters which was enjoyable but for my taste, I would rather have had a less spicy feta to offset the olive tapenade. Other choices are Portabella Mushroom Soup and Eish Chicken Livers. Main courses are Linguini Degrandi, Oven Baked Kingklip, Roulade of Chicken and Black Forest Ham and – my usual choice – the Heritage’s fine succulent Slow Braised Lamb Shank. To book contact the Heritage Theatre on 031 765 4197, or online at www.heritagetheatre.co.za – Caroline Smart
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