(Pic by Val Adamson: Margaret Logan and Frank Graham)KickstArt and UKZN drama department collaborate in strong English version of Reza de Wet’s well-known play. (Review by Caroline Smart)
These last ten days or so have seen the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Department of Drama and Performance Studies collaborate in three productions: Frontlines and Blood Wedding with the Durban University of Technology and now Miracle with the currently unchallenged multi award-winning production company, KickstArt.
By celebrated South African playwright Reza de Wet, Miracle is described as a “whimsical, wintery tale of the unexpected”. Set during the Great Depression (1936), it involves a down-at-heel troupe of actors who arrive at a remote Platteland town without the means to leave it. They take over a deconsecrated Catholic church and set it up for their performance of Everyman, only to discover from an unexpected source that they have serious competition with the circus being in town. Things tumble from mildly chaotic to frightening and they lose one of their members along the way.
Reza de Wet's inspiration for the drama came from the Miracle Plays of the Middle Ages which were among the earliest formally-developed plays in medieval Europe and focused on Bible stories.
Unfortunately, without having Afrikaans or first-hand knowledge of the play’s original version, I am unable to comment on whether the translation is effective in terms of language or characterisation. The Afrikaans language is muscular and highly descriptive, so taking that as my reference point, I believe that Reza de Wet and director Steven Stead have handled the transition effectively.
With his usual efficiency and expertise, Seven Stead has successfully steered his cast through what must have been a challenging and multi-layered rehearsal process. Full of shifts in moods and tensions, the play moves from exquisitely tender moments to the full bellow of melodrama. Greg King has created a very effective set and Tina le Roux’s lighting is suitably moody.
Greg King has created a very workable set, suitably derelict and scattered with dead leaves, and Tina le Roux’s lighting sets the right mood.
Two UKZN drama students, Brett Collopy and Donna Steel, have the good fortune to make their professional debut in this production, cast alongside Frank Graham, Margaret Logan, Michael Gritten and Tamar Meskin. This kind of close association will be invaluable to the young actors who acquit themselves extremely well with sensitive and credible performances, their only failing being lack of projection. Margaret Logan and Frank Graham’s extensive stage experience means that every single word - no matter how quiet or subtle - is completely audible and their long-term association with radio drama means that they know exactly what to do with their voices.
The UKZN drama department should seriously consider bringing back stronger vocal training – this will considerably empower a student in whatever field he or she chooses to follow. Strong communicators - whether they be in the performing arts or further afield in commerce, industry, teaching or government – can virtually write their own pay cheque.
The roles are skilfully crafted, offering meaty text for dramatic actors and allowing for a wide range of emotions and strengths. Frank Graham’s scene towards the end when he “discovers” that a new “Artist” has been born, is beautifully played. Margaret Logan shines in the moments when her character loses its ditzy image and becomes genuinely caring. Michael Gritten’s emotional leave-taking which collapses into indecision was sensitively and skilfully handled while Tamar Meskin remains tightly controlled as the character demands, exuding a chilling element into the proceedings.
Miracle runs at the Square Space Theatre until April 11 from Tuesdays to Saturdays at 19h30 (Sundays at 15h00). Tickets R100 (R80 students/pensioners). Seating is unreserved. Those unfamiliar with the venue should be aware that approaches involve negotiating a steep hill and some very uneven surfaces! Booking is through Computicket on 083 915 8000 or online at www.computicket.co.za – Caroline Smart
Posts
