(Pic by Val Adamson: Ralph Lawson and Sello Maake Ka-Ncube with Michael Richard and Belinda Henwood)Congratulations all round for Playhouse Company’s SA premiere of Race. Don’t miss it! - (Review by Caroline Smart)
Durban audiences have previously been treated to Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Mamet’s work with KickstArt’s productions of Oleanna and Boston Marriage, both good examples of his thought-provoking writing which translates into excellent theatre.
Thanks to the Playhouse Company, Durban theatregoers are now privileged to witness the South African premiere of Mamet’s controversial and highly thought-provoking Race written in 2009 and produced by special arrangement with Abrams Artists Agency New York. The subject matter is one that affects all South Africans and Mamet’s comments resound with familiarity here although they were written in an African-American context.
Don’t for one minute be put off into thinking this is a show full of hate speech or political manoeuvrings. It is a brilliantly written play about two partners - one African-American (Sello Maake Ka-Ncube), one white (Michael Richard) - and their young, African-American law clerk (Belinda Henwood). As the play opens, we find them faced with a tricky decision – whether or not their firm should take on the case of a rich and famous white man (Ralph Lawson) accused of raping a young black woman. Initially, they are reluctant as it seems obvious that the man is guilty but as time passes, they seesaw between the positive and the negative. In the end, the audience is left with what they finally believe is their correct assessment. But is it?
The script twists and turns at hectic speed, like travelling on an unfamiliar mountain pass where there are surprises round every corner. The action crackles with bush-fire energy. There are many rapid-fire questions and the answers don’t always fit the questions.
Mamet provides a fascinating insight into how a case such as this could be handled and this is the stuff of which powerful theatre is made – it makes you think, question and search your innermost self. However, in the process there is abundant humour and razor sharp irony. Laughs there are aplenty but there are also many gasps at Mamet’s forthright no-holds-barred and often unforgiving dialogue.
Skilfully directed by Clare Mortimer, the production does full justice to Mamet. Michael Richard takes the honours with his finely-tuned performance of tough explosive energy – this lawyer loves a challenge and would be a scary adversary in court! Sello Maake Ka-Ncube is a good foil as the partner who invariably offers a passionate alternate view of things. Belinda Henwood considerably impresses as the feisty law clerk, displaying a firm determination as she stands up for what she believes. The most difficult role falls to Ralph Lawson who, as the accused man, successfully plays with the audience’s feelings as he swings from emotional guilt to casual disdain.
Sarah Roberts’ elevated sloping set placed on the diagonal is impressive in its simplicity and is effectively lit by lighting designer Mannie Manim – good to see these two top designers back in a Durban production. The warmth of the wooden flooring and three large seascapes/landscapes offset the starkness of the furniture and the overhead ceiling structure of the lawyers’ office.
If you like first-class quality drama beautifully presented, don’t miss this one!
Race has a short run in The Playhouse Drama with only two more public performances: October 21 and 22 at 19h30. Booking is strongly advised. Pre-booked tickets R80 and R90 at Computicket on 0861 915 8000, online at www.computicket.com or through the Playhouse box office on 031 369 9540 (office hours). Tickets R90 and R100 at the box office immediately prior to performances. – Caroline Smart