Play moves in a circle of metaphors about
birth, life, death and reincarnation. (Review by Philisiwe Sithole)
Elnora
& Nirvana is the second show following all the
way from Bloemfontein to the Musho! Festival Main programme. Written by Nieke
Lombard and directed by Stefanie Brink, it is a puppet show in which the old
and almost dying Elnora is reminiscing on the past. She is the central
character, manipulated in full evidence by Nieke Lombard who takes the role of
Nirvana, Elnora' spirit, who literally brings her to life and also ends her
life at the end of the show.
The set is covered by the pictures which
the old lady paints during the play. They give the old Elnora something to do.
Around her is also another character, the child within her, which makes an
appearance as she comes to grips with her life. The show does not have a clear
plot line but moves in a circle of metaphors about birth, life, death and
reincarnation.
Some of the vulnerable moments between the
puppetry and the old Elnora is brought with delightful techniques into high
quality theatre. In those moments, Nieke Lombard is at her best, very engaged
in the emotions herself and bringing life in the puppets in a very detailed and
subtle way.
The rhythm of the show is slow like the
last days of the dying Elnora. This, together with the metaphoric set-up from
the plot and the strong emotional commitment with the theme, became the reason
that I felt distanced and not really hooked in the theatrical experience. A
more worked-out script would probably be beneficial.
For more details about the Musho! Festival,
visit www.mushofestival.co.za – Philisiwe Sithole
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