(Robyn Mc Harry & Tau Maserumule. Pic by Bazil Raubach)
Fine script, well-acted and sensitively
directed. (Review by Caroline Smart)
Appearing on the Arena programme of the 2013 National Arts
Festival, Strategy of Grey is an
original two-hander written by Standing Ovation Award winner Tau Maserumule and
Robyn Mc Harry and directed by Standing Ovation Award and Mercury Durban
Theatre Award winner Janna Ramos-Violante.
This
highly talented threesome have created a fascinating story with a twist about a
young woman Anna (Robyn Mc Harry) who had just returned
to her small-town home, after almost a decade away, to take over the family business
since her mother suffered a stroke.
Bryan Hiles’ stage design is simple but
effective giving the idea of an enclosed outdoor area of sink, bench and table
attached to the coffee shop.
Enter a
cheerful young man Sam (Tau Maserumule) pushing a trolley full of
vegetables delivering what he claims is her order of the day. A rapport is
established between them. He indicates that he shares her love of chess and is soon
showing off his prowess as a potato peeler on one of his visits.
The
dialogue moves in fits and starts as the two find their way towards a
relationship. Pauses speak volumes and are held well by the actors. There are
charming moments as he traces star signs through her freckles. However, there
is a serious hidden agenda here and the denouement is only revealed at the end
as the relationship ends in tragedy.
This is a fine script, well-acted and
sensitively directed. Watch out for Strategy of Grey if it comes your way. – Caroline Smart
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