(Kogie Naidoo and Maeshni Naicker appear in
a volatile relationship!)
Entertaining
evening of new script by new writer augurs well. (Review by Caroline Smart)
Last night
saw a couple of “firsts” for me. Firstly, the introduction of a new and highly
promising writer for theatre and film and, secondly, my first visit to the
Durban North Conference Centre.
Love in a Pickle is a show written by Jithen Premrajh and
presented at what I hope will become a popular supper theatre/cabaret venue.
The Crown Theatre is situated at the Durban North Conference Centre which is
less than ten minutes away from the junction where Umgeni Road becomes North
Coast Road, also branching off towards Makro to the West and the Umgeni Bird
Park to the East. It is easily accessible and has onsite parking.
The
Crown Theatre holds about 150 people, there is a cash bar and light snacks are
available.
Premrajh’s
writing is mainly humorous and Love in a Pickle offers an evening of
fun and laughter and this comedic content is safe in the hands of well-known
comedy stalwarts, Maeshni Naicker and Kogie Naidoo who carry the show as they pursue
their battling relationship of one-upmanship as the wife and mother-in-law of a
successful doctor. As Dr Moodley, Naren Sanker gives a consistently strong
performance as he tries to keep this volatile relationship under control and
ensure that his daughter Priya is given the future she deserves. As Priya, Perlisha
Somiah is charming and attractive. She has some important speeches regarding a
young Indian woman’s situation in 1990 (when the play is set) and she handles
these well.
The
Moodley family moves from Chatsworth to Umhlanga which requires a major
adjustment in their lives. An added complication arises when Eric Viljoen, the
elder son of their Afrikaans next-door-neighbour, starts showing interest in
Priya. Marco Kotze is a likeable Eric with Elzette Smith as his long-suffering mother
and Eben van de Merwe as his gay younger brother.
Also
appearing are Shakti Matura as Sheila and Sinikiwe Sifumba as the maid. Premrajh
and Chirag Patel are a delight as the possible husbands for Priya.
Apart
from Naicker and Naidoo, most of the cast are newcomers to the stage and it’s
hats off to Premrajh for directing the piece in such a way that the experience
gaps do not show.
The stage
and setting is very basic with various items of furniture indicating the locations.
However, I believe that this is a venue that can be explored and experimented
with and, considering the pro-active and passionate team behind it, I am sure
that this will not take long.
Many of
the issues in 1990 that challenged young women with the capacity to be
financially independent are still in place today and Premrajh brings these out
in his script. I look forward to seeing more work from him.
Love in a Pickle runs until September 8 at the Crown Theatre
at the Durban North Conference Centre, 5 Northview Road in Durban North.
Performances Monday to Saturday at 19h30 (Sunday at 14h30 and 18h30),Tickets R50 on weekdays (R90 over weekends) booked through Computicket and also available at the conference centre at
the door on the night. Snacks, food and a cash bar will be available. More
information on 031 563 9176. – Caroline Smart
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