(Pic by Val Adamson: Dhaveshan Govender, Shika Budhoo and Rory Booth)A seamless ensemble of equal skill. (Review by Clinton Marius)
Like a good curry, Ashwin Singh’s play, Spice n’ Stuff is a varied mix of appealing ingredients, perfectly flavoured, with a bit of a kick ... and a pleasant aftertaste that remains long after one has left the theatre.
Described by Singh as “a celebration of life, here, now and always”, this window into the lives of the Grey Street community revolves around spice shop owner, Rita, and the colourful folk in her orbit. Images of Grey Street, past and present, are projected onto two large screens, and serve to distinguish the various locales in which the story unfolds. Love, betrayal, fear and friendship all play out in this fine balance between comedy and drama.
Under the deft direction of Themi Venturas, the six talented cast members fill out every inch of the stage, and every inch of the characters they portray. From the subtle and nuanced performance by Shika Budhoo in the principal role of Rita; Rory Booth’s measured and consummate portrayal of her son, Vijay; Ashwin Singh’s convincing and engaging turn as Shahid; Dhaveshan Govender and Kajal Maharaj in the delicious dual roles of Ajith and Sagren, and Tiny’s mother and Rani; to Ntando Mncube’s comical Thulani ... the cast deliver warm and memorable performances.
Singh’s beautifully crafted play is rich in humour and in sadness, peppered with witty one-liners and moving insights. Here is a microcosm of the endearing foibles and extraordinary resilience of a community under threat from all angles.
It is difficult to pull out any particular performance or part of this play for particular mention, as Venturas has inspired a seamless ensemble of equal skill, but the highlight of the play is a gripping stand-off between Budhoo as Rita, and Govender as Ajith. I’m certain that not even a bomb threat in the theatre at this point would have convinced the audience to leave.
I hope that Spice n’ Stuff will be presented again in Durban and further afield, because it deserves to be seen by as wide an audience as possible. In the meanwhile, as the final production in the Playhouse Company’s New Stages Festival, it will be on for only three more performances, so make the effort and go and see this gem.
Spice ‘n Stuff runs in the Playhouse Loft until October 23, with two performances on Saturday. The duration of the show is one hour. Booking is through Computicket on 083 915 8000 or Playhouse Box Office on 031 369 9596 (office hours). Pre-booked tickets R60 (R70 at the door). There is safe discounted parking at the Royal Parking and Albany Parking. School bookings through Margie Coppen on 083 251 9412. – Clinton Marius