(Wiseman Mncube)Hard-hitting and well-directed play that looks head-on at the realities of unemployment. (Review by Philisiwe Sithole)
Last night the Playhouse hosted the opening of the second programme of its 2012 Community Arts Festival which involved two productions, Meet Bra 6-2 and We salute yesterday, today and tomorrow.
The festival acts as a platform to introduce aspiring artists to a professional stage and mentoring them to better their craft.
Scripted and directed by Samson Mlambo and offering an excellent performance by Wiseman Mncube, Meet Bra 6 – 2 is a hard-hitting play that looks head-on at the stark realities of unemployment. The protagonist of this tragi-comic piece takes his name from the number of the street in the township where he lives (it also happens to be his favourite gambling number).
As the story unfolds, we learn he grew up in poverty in a rural area where he stole farm produce in order to survive. After finding employment, he gets framed by a policeman and loses his job. Forced back into a position of poverty and hunger, he takes to crime as he seeks revenge.
Meet Bra 6-2 is about a young ordinary man justifying why he continues to deal in crime and break the law. He believes it is merely because the country is filled with corruption, and one find ways to survive. So why is he judged?
It was a joy to watch this masterpiece. Wiseman Mncube is an excellent actor. He clearly paints beautiful characters distinctively in posture, tone and accents. He creatively uses mime and sound to enhance the story and illusion. The play is influenced by the genre of poor theatre (ie minimum set and costumes with actors making any relevant sound effects).
The set is made up of a doorframe on either side and a block painted as a dice. The lighting is well-designed to signify the passing of time and visitors to the front door.
Meet Bra 6 – 2 is one of the five productions forming part of this year’s Playhouse Community Arts Festival. It features in the second programme which is currently running in the Playhouse Loft, appearing alongside We Salute Yesterday, Today And Tomorrow (see separate review)
The final performance takes place this afternoon (Saturday, April 21) at 14h00 in the Playhouse Loft. Admission is free to all CAF performances at The Playhouse but booking is advised through the Playhouse box office. - Philisiwe Sithole
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