RACE

Grahamstown: July 4, 2012 – Review by Philisiwe Sithole

The Playhouse Company in association with the National Arts Festival presents David Mamet's Race.

Race marks the return of the Playhouse Company to the festival 's Main Programme after an absence of 17 years. The production is a proven successful Broadway show - well executed old school text-based theatre, it has intelligent one lines.

Race centres on three lawyers: two partners - one African-American, one white -and their young African-American law-clerk. The riveting debate is about whether or not to take the case of a white billionaire seeking representation for being accused of raping an African-American woman, a crime he vehemently denies.

While new to the production, Nondumiso Tembe blended well and complimented the rest of the cast She has very good timing and is a skilful actress. Michael Richard has a commanding stage presence and a great deep baritone voice. Sello Maake ka-Ncube and Graham Hopkins fused their talents and commitment to tell this intelligent script. – Philisiwe Sithole