(Akhona Mkhize and Simphiwe Dana)Review by Sifiso Simamane
I wasn’t able to attend the opening of Twist – the Musical at Stable Theatre last Friday but managed to catch it this week.
Written and directed by Jerry Pooe, the production is inspired by Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist and presented by Stable Theatre in partnership with Eager Artists.
As the Stable Theatre auditorium is currently undergoing renovations, this production was held in the open air in the amphitheatre area. There were microphone problems, the lighting wasn’t always strong enough to pick up the performers’ expression and the passing trains were also distracting.
However, I believe that this production is in a growing stage and look forward to seeing it in the theatre itself with proper lighting and sound.
All the young actors showcased their talents in a great performance, especially the young Simphiwe Dana who played Twist who is an orphan. He was outstanding and really lived the character. He portrayed his role so well that you could follow the storyline and feel his hardships through his excellent singing voice.
The rest of the cast is made up of Xolisile Khumalo, Nolwazi Shabani, Luyanda Shabalala, Akhona Mkhize and Njabulo Mkhize. They kept their energy from the beginning to the end and the music and choreographed dance sequences complemented the story.
Jerry was able to create a great piece out of these young stars and it was sad to see such poor attendance. This is very unfair to producers and artists who work so hard in preparing their craft only to find that people don’t support them.
The final performance takes place at Stable Theatre in the outdoor Amphitheatre, weather permitting, today, December 15 at 18h30. More information and bookings through S’thabile on 083 575 0922.
Stable Theatre is situated at 115 Johannes Nkosi/Alice Street opposite the Municipal Bus Depot. – Sifiso Simamane
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