NAF: MAN OF LA MANCHA

Soothing musical numbers and an inspiring storyline. (Review by Sifiso Sikhakhane)

At this year’s National Arts Festival, award-winning Durban director Themi Venturas presented Man of La Mancha, a musical which coloured the evening with soothing musical numbers and an inspiring storyline.

Venturas aims to reclaim Man of La Mancha’s experimental roots and turn it back into the show it was originally meant to be. Written in the middle of the turbulent 1960’s, it explores the price paid for the losses of the Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Religion, two fundamental rights that are being threatened everyday by governments and institutions throughout Africa.

Watching this show at its opening this festival was unbearable. The technical glitches made it impossible for the show to run smoothly, which is why I decided to see it again.

The second time around was phenomenal. The singing brought tears to a few audience members, closing the show with a standing ovation. Man of La ManchaA is one of the best shows presented at this year’s National Arts Festival and my only concern is that many did not get the chance to witness such amazing work. Let us hope that with the World Cup not around next year, the audiences will increase dramatically as per usual in the NAF.

Man of La Mancha was presented at this year’s NAF main programme by Catalina Theatre and TheatreBIZ. - Sifiso Sikhakhane