(Hamish
Kyd)
Hamish
Kyd’s humorous one-man show at St Philomena’s Hall sees a new performance venue
in town. (Review by Caroline Smart)
Representing the first drama to be
presented in the hall at St Philomena’s Community Development Area in
Sydenham, Hamish Kyd’s Knowing You ...
Knowing Me needs to be supported as a portion of the box office will go
towards St Philomena’s Children’s Home.
In his review of the play when it was
presented at the Playhouse in July last year, artSMart reviewer Keith Millar described
Kyd’s performance as “sublime” in a “little gem of a production” that is “delightful, poignant, insightful and
very, very funny.”
The play
is about Lenny Stalk, a down-to-earth and honest tradesman who has raised his
son, Otis, single-handedly after the death of his wife.
I make no excuses for republishing Keith
Millar’s review here, as it says it all:
Otis is a creative fashion design student
and a respectful and loving son. Then circumstances conspire to force Otis to
announce that he is gay. Lenny is devastated. The concept of a gay son is
completely foreign to the life he knows and understands.
He will go to any ends to, as he says,
“un-gay” his son.
The play starts with Lenny (Kyd) kneeling on
stage praying to his God. He is asking for a solution to the perceived problem
he has with his son. God appoints a group of angels (the audience) to hear
Lenny’s story and offer him advice.
Lenny relates hilarious tales of growing up
in Sydenham. He tells of his marriage and love for his wife and of her death
while giving birth to Otis. He also reveals that he himself did not follow the
conventional path in matters of the heart. He eventually comes to the
realisation that he will have to follow the advice he had often given his son.
That is, “to go to that place deep in your soul, and ask the little voice for
an answer”.
In the end the audience is left with food
for thought on issues such as tolerance, understanding and compassion.
South Africa’s various cultures are
unquestionably rich in character and personality. In “Knowing You ... Knowing
Me” we are given a loving and insightful glimpse into the coloured communities
of Durban. While humour is Kyd’s vehicle, it is never disrespectful and the
many colourful characters he describes are brought to life through his words.
Knowing You Knowing Me is directed by Hamish’s daughter,
Leveen Kyd, with musical direction by Dawn Gaillard and musical arrangements
are by Chris Ruiters.
The hall can be laid out in theatre seating
or with individual tables. Usually surrounded with white drapes, this
production sees the empty stage area swathed in black as befits the simplicity
of the play’s setting (most of it taking place in the actor’s mind). It is backlit
with little lights before the show to create an elegant space to match the
impressive chandelier that hangs above the stage.
Knowing You …
Knowing Me has two more performances – tomorrow and Thursday (February
26 and 27 at 20h00. Bookings on 076 777 5732. St. Philomena’s Hall is situated
at 92 Rippon Road, Sydenham (about five minutes away from Highway Hospice)
Any productions taking place give a high portion of
the profits to the St Philomena’s Children’s Home. For more information contact
Tamara and Clinton Daniels of Memorable Occasions on 076
777 5732 entertainment space in a complex that is easily accessible and has
ample secure parking.
NB: Coming up from
April 27 is “Tjooners & Crooners“ with the family fun game “Check Your
Mate”, hosted and directed by Hamish Kyd .Stand a chance to win a sea cruise!
Bookings on 076 777 5732.
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