(Tristan Jacobs)
Fluid, energetic performance from Tristan Jacobs
translates the characteristics of his subjects with passion and emotion. (Review
by Keith Millar)
Portuguese poet and writer Fernando Pessoa
grew up in South Africa and went to school in Durban (although not born in
Durban as the publicity material states). He has been described as one of the
most significant literary figures of the 20th century and one of the greatest
poets in the Portuguese language.
However, much of his writing was done by
his heteronyms (alter-egos). In his lifetime he created over 80 heteronyms,
each with their own biography, temperament, philosophy, appearance and writing
style.
It is three of Pessoa’s most his most
prolific heteronyms - as well as the melancholy poet himself and his own comic
creation, Dros - that Tristan Jacobs has chosen to portray in his solo mask
performance.
The heteronyms are Alberto Caeiro an ingenious,
unlettered, unemployed man of the country; Ricardo Reis a doctor and a rigid
gentleman, and Alvaro Do Campos, a free-thinking navel engineer and bisexual
dandy who lived outrageously.
In a fluid, energetic performance Jacobs
translated the characteristics of his subjects with passion and emotion. It is
a stark work which has moments of humour, sadness, loneliness and
melancholy.
Capably performed by Jane Ballie, the
violin music which accompanied the piece was selected from Fado songs which are
based on Pessoa’s poems. Unfortunately, the Catalina Theatre sound system seems
inclined to distortion and some of her best efforts were spoiled by this
irritation.
While this production has its merits, I
can’t help but feel that it is aimed at the aficionado and those very well-versed
in the subject matter. I am not sure of its appeal to the general public. Possibly
more extensive programme notes could assist in one’s understanding of this solo
mask performance.
Hambre
Del Alma was produced by Masidale Productions,
created and performed by Tristan Jacobs and directed by Andrew Buckland.
For more details about the Musho! Festival,
visit www.mushofestival.co.za – Keith Millar
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