(Pic by Louis Chetty: Matthew Ribnick as one of the many characters he portrays)Matthew Ribnick stuns audiences by his astounding physicality as a performer. (Review by Shika Budhoo)
Monkey Nuts opened at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre at the University of KwaZulu-Natal on May 11.
A one-man show starring Matthew Ribnick and directed by Geraldine Naidoo; Monkey Nuts tells the story of a loner, Edgar, who has no friends to take on a trip he won through one of the many competitions he obsessively enters. In search of friends to take, Edgar, finds that people he knows from work (from his average day) suddenly take an interest in him. We see these characters in full force all tied to Edgar in some way or another, colourful and varied in their presentation. His attachment to a monkey, Claude, from the local pet shop brings these characters together in an unexpected way with hilarious consequences.
For me, this one-man show highlighted the activities we perform as individuals that define us, as well as the unlikely activities some people choose to occupy themselves with. Edgar, coming from a tragic family situation, presents us with the contemplations and consequences of some of the eccentric choices we tend to fall toward from time to time. From mxit to Facebook, to more physically interactive social activities, like yoga and speed dating, the performance from Matthew Ribnick is presented with amazing comic skill in telling these local current social stories.
Matthew Ribnick (of Chilli Boy and Hoot fame) performed to a capacity house and had the crowd stunned by his astounding physicality as a performer. His every muscle seemed to shift energy as he swaps between characters, with unbelievable change in facial expression and body posture. What I found intriguing was his ability to change his physicality in mimicking other race groups, the only costume change: hats! His characters are so convincing and precise from head to toe.
I did feel a little bit distracted by the moments when he broke off script; and to me, it seemed to pause the momentum of the show with him repeatedly wiping down or blowing his nose on strategically placed towels on stage. However this could be because he was unwell and in that case, well done on a superb performance despite the little sniffles of distractions and good luck on a great run.
Monkey Nuts runs at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre until May 23. Half price Tuesdays and Sundays. Book now at Computicket. - Shika Budhoo
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