(Devaksha Moodley, Tamika Sewnarain and Lauren Jones with Julia Wilson and Tumelo Khoza in front)Director Verne Rowin Munsamy makes good use of Square Space in new play that is well worth seeing. (Review by Caroline Smart)
A well-placed set existing on three levels greets you as you enter the Square Space Theatre for Journeying Home, Verne Rowin Munsamy's second professional play to date.
As the action unfurls, this talented new playwright/director proceeds to employ this versatile theatre space to optimum use. Designed by Munsamy and cast member Lauren Jones, the main area is the lounge, attractively enhanced with tiled flooring. Then, on two separate raised levels, there’s a small bathroom area on one side and a well-appointed kitchen on the other, allowing for scenes to take place in all three settings as the action moves from one space to the other.
In his programme notes, Munsamy dedicates the play to his late mother who taught him to “allow life to take you on its journey”. He describes Journeying Home as “an emotional and heartfelt diary-like theatrical encounter with six South Africans who are all ‘journeying home’ via different routes – these routes are both geographical but also emotional and spiritual.”
The play deals with four university friends. There’s Jess, efficiency personified, busily preparing for a party. In bounces Nozipho, offering racial wisecracks and nicking the snacks, much to Jess’s irritation. Melanie arrives with her lover, Linda. This newfound gay relationship is interesting news to the fourth friend, Jaishree, who is the surprise guest. Meanwhile Paul, Jess’s husband, has been told to stay out of the house for the all-girl party. As their relationship is already strained, the presence of an ex-girlfriend in the company doesn’t help.
Munsamy’s script rattles along with much humour as the girls steadily get more sozzled and memories are revisited – often hilariously. His writing shows a strong sense of pathos and sensitivity as secrets emerge, generating distrust or reviving old emotional wounds.
Performances are good and believable, although working in the round added to the noise of the Square Space’s air-conditioning demands stronger projection and articulation.
Lauren Jones is a suitably edgy and emotional Jess; Tumelo Khoza is a delight as the forthright Noz, and Devaksha Moodley pulls no punches as Melanie - a solidity nicely offset by Julia Wilson as the passionate community-serving Linda. Tamika Sewnarain impresses with her calm focus and Christopher Tobo generates the right level of frustration as Paul. The play deals with a history of relationships and this is clearly portrayed.
Journeying Home runs in the Square Space Theatre on the UKZN Howard College Campus until November 27 from Wednesdays to Saturdays at 19h00 (November 27 Sunday matinee at 15h00). Tickets R50 (R30 students and pensioners) booked on 083 7636 292 or email Munsamyv1@ukzn.ac.za – Caroline Smart
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