(Rajesh Gopie plays 28 different characters)13 years on and still going strong! (Review by Raeesa Abdul-Karrim)
Rajesh Gopie’s multi-award winning theatre production Out of Bounds once again wows theatre audiences at Sibaya’s iZulu Theatre. I finally had the privilege of watching this production on Wednesday evening. I have to admit I had very high expectations when I walked in. After all, Gopie has performed the show for the last 13 years over four continents. Impressive! Yes it certainly was.
Directed by Tina Johnson, Out of Bounds tells the story of Lal Lalchand, a young South African Indian living in Inanda in the 1980’s with his extended family. We meet his gran, parents, uncles, aunts, cousins and, of course, neighbours! What a richly colourful array of characters they are, each memorable and equally entertaining. Due to circumstances, the story then moves on to Phoenix and follows Lal into adulthood.
With only a few props and a very minimalist set, Rajesh Gopie plays 28 different characters skilfully and remarkably. It is a show not to be missed.
It was unfortunate, however, to see the iZulu Theatre no more than half-full on opening night. Surely such a well-known production deserves a better reception? Let’s hope the days after and this weekend proves to be more successful.
Out of Bounds has two more performances at the iZulu Theatre, Sibaya Casino, tomorrow (April 15) at 15h00 and 18h00. Tickets R120 at the Sibaya Box office and through Computicket. - Raeesa Abdul-Karrim
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