(Liam Magner and Jacobus van Heerden)A masterpiece which uses the art of African storytelling to tell the story of a little orphan boy. (Review by Samantha Daly)
Following the success of Tokoloshe Come and Go, Liam Magner and Jacobus van Heerden paired up again last month to bring audiences the second instalment in this series, Tokoloshe Comes Again, which promises to be “bigger, better, 72 centimetre”. Tokoloshe Comes Again is a masterpiece, which uses the art of African storytelling to tell the story of Moses, the little orphan boy, and his determination to gain recognition in a world where the odds are constantly stacked against him. A magnificent mix of physical theatre, song, rhyme, voice recordings and storytelling, the performers deliver with enthusiasm and energy, a performance which will have you laughing from beginning to end.
Set against a minimalist, yet functional backdrop consisting of a few trees, two blocks, a guitar and smoke machine (which the performers favour as a tool for creating an eerie and mystical ambiance for their comic mayhem), Magner and van Heerden deliver a fantastic performance, which is polished, hilarious and touching.
Several colourful characters are encountered along the way, from the “ntombis” washing their clothes in the river and gossiping, to Kabamba the UV chameleon who visits Moses in his sleep, to the ‘quintessential’ male, Mac “the anaconda”, and the less-than-likeable village elder. Both Magner and van Heerden move quickly and easily from one character to the next through minor adjustments to their accents, posture and facial expressions. The characterisation is impeccable as they bring the characters and their stories to life on stage.
Tokoloshe Comes Again is an example of two performers with great stage presence who have mastered the art of African storytelling, physical theatre, and audience interaction. They display a good chemistry and working relationship on stage and deliver an exceptional performance, which has the audience in fits of laughter. Moreover, the performers have managed to find the perfect balance between a formal, slick, professional performance, and the informality displayed through on-the-spot side comments and one-liners. The audience feels comfortable and part of the process as they relish in the unique moments which can only come as a result of live theatre. – Samantha Daly
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