Ramos-Violante’s script is a finely-crafted masterpiece, superbly acted. (Review by Keith Millar)
Callum’s Will is a heck of a good piece of theatre.
This intimate two-hander, written and directed by the very talented Janna Ramos-Violante and superbly acted by Darren King and Clinton Small, is currently on at Durban High School’s Seabrooke’s Theatre.
It is not a complicated story. Essentially it is about the unlikely friendship which develops between two men from very different backgrounds.
Callum (Darren King) is a former international ballet star who in his heyday travelled the world and lived a life of sophistication and glamour. His career was cut short by a tragic motor car accident which left him badly injured and confined to a wheel chair. He is isolated from his previous life and friends and has become a sad, lonely and embittered man. Struggling to cope, he employs Will (Clinton Small), to do odd jobs and run errands for him.
Will is a young man from a humble background who has grown up amidst poverty and unemployment. At first appearance he looks like a hoodie from the London riots. However, there is more to Will than meets the eye. He is a compassionate young man who is both sensitive and creative.
There is tension between them when they first meet but as the story progresses the corner-stones of real friendship, such as understanding, acceptance and trust, are laid. Eventually a warm and lasting friendship develops.
Ramos-Violante’s script is a finely-crafted masterpiece. There are moments of laughter, sadness, joy and tears in the production. Her use of silences (apart, perhaps, from background music) and pauses is inspirational.
The opening scene where Callum listens to one of his old scratchy LP’s and imagines himself dancing again, until he is overcome with despair, is heartbreaking – and, despite there being no dialogue, the audience is transfixed and the story moves on.
Both actors put in very impressive performances. Darren King playing Callum is completely convincing as the arrogant but emotional paraplegic struggling with life. Clinton Small, even though a little mature for the role, is endearing as the affable and empathetic Will.
Callum’s Will is an outstanding production, and what’s more it is homegrown in Durban. Don’t miss it!
Produced by Thinskin, Callum’s Will runs nightly at 19h30 at the Seabrooke’s Theatre at Durban High School, St Thomas’s Road until February 10 (no shows on Mondays). Tickets R80 booked by phoning 083 250 2690. – Keith Millar
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