At the end of
November, Stable Theatre will proudly present a production written by the
venue’s founder, the late Kessie Govender. The production has been made
possible by the National Arts Council with additional support from the
KwaZulu-Natal Performing Arts Trust.
Stablexpense is a
stage play in two acts set in the 1970’s and requires five characters – four
male (two in their 50’s and two in their 20’s) and one female (mid 40’s).
Auditions will be
held on September 21 at Stable Theatre between 09h30 at 14h00 for the following
characters:
Vadi: An Indian
male in his 50’s. A working class man of poor education, Vadi has internalized
the oppression of the apartheid government of the day. He is a pious man of
South Indian origins who works as a dirt bin collector for the local council
and spends his free time drinking at the local Shebeen. Vadi has little regard
for the world outside of what impacts on him directly in his immediate home and
work environment.
Mani: Also an
Indian male in his 50’s. He shares many of Vadi’s traits, except that he is
opinionated and ambitious (within the confines of the day). Vadi and Mani are
best friends and work together for the local council as dirt bin collectors.
The two share religious beliefs and spend their spare time drinking at one
another’s homes or at the local Shebeen.
Thiru: Vadi’s son.
A young man in his late 20’s, he is outspoken and critical of his father’s
conservative, racist approach to life. His character serves as a foil to Vadi’s
as he embodies the rebellious, progressive views of his peers at the local
college. He serves as a constant irritation to his parents who don't understand
him and often dismiss him as being disrespectful.
Rama: Mani’s son in
his early 20’s, he is Thiru’s friend by virtue of location and upbringing - but
that’s all they have in common. He is living in his father’s shadow and very
much cut from the same cloth. He is ‘cheeky’ but reflects an ‘ignorant’
perspective on life. An ambitious man, Rama looks to his father to open doors
and make inroads for his personal development. He works in the same department
as his father but not as a dirt bin collector.
Vadi’s Wife
(Dhanaluxmi): An Indian women in her mid 40’s. Like many women of the day,
Dhana was married at an early age and had little opportunity for formal
education. While it is clear that she has a mind of her own, Dhana will always
defer to Vadi’s decisions and choices. She is a pleasant caring woman who has
become alienated from her son because of his ‘radical’ ‘foreign’ beliefs. Thiru’s
outspoken nature is of much concern to Dhana and she fears for his
future.
The play will run
during the last week of November preceded by three weeks of daytime rehearsals.
Those auditioning are required to have at least three years of stage experience.
An overall understanding of the period of the play is also important.
Those fulfilling
the above criteria are invited to audition on September 21 at Stable Theatre
between 09h30 and 14h00 with registration taking place at 09h00. To book an
audition slot, please contact Ayanda at Stable Theatre during office hours on
031 309 2513.
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