(Philani Muthwa and
Tiwe Mbele)
No shortage of humour in rhythmic adventure led by charming and
energetic young performers. (Review by Keith Millar)
Rhythm Dudes at the Stable
Theatre is described as a fun-filled rhythmic adventure aimed at 10 to 14 year
olds.
I was invited to the first public performance on Saturday morning and,
as I didn’t have any 10 to 14 year olds available to take with me, I went alone
with some trepidation.
Well, I had a ball. In no time at all, everyone - including this tone
deaf reviewer - was clicking and clapping and stomping along and setting up
rhythms which would have made any seasoned musician proud.
The proceedings were led by the charming and energetic young performers
Philani Muthwa and Tiwe Mbele. From the start, they engaged the audience and
soon had them creating basic rhythmic patterns. Initially using thumb clicks,
claps and vocal sounds, they later moved us on to plastic bottles with which we
tapped and rattled out rhythms.
The opportunity was also taken for Philani and Tiwe to share important
messages on respect, etiquette, manners and the environment.
There was also no shortage of humour as the two indulged in their
engaging double act.
We then had the writer and director of this production, Caroline Smart,
explain the lineup of an orchestra. To demonstrate the percussion section, she
had us all imitating the various drums. In no time at all, we had quite a beat
going. I was a bass drum.
Rhythm Dudes has been staged for
over 20 school performances so far and been seen and enjoyed by over 2,500 pupils. Public
performances in English will be held at Stable Theatre in Alice Street at 11h00
every day during the school holidays, from October 1 to 6. Tickets R50 booked at Computicket and available at the door.
Rhythm Dudes may be aimed at 10
to 14 year olds but it will be enjoyed by anyone who is willing to let their
hair down and enter the spirit of things. And I suspect it will be even more
fun if you do have a few 10 to 14 year olds to take along.
After an enjoyable morning, I can proudly say “I am a rhythm dude!” –
Keith Millar
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