Lively and colourful production at newly-renovated Courtyard
Theatre. (Review by Keith Millar)
Same Differences
is a lively and colourful production performed by a cast of 35 second and third
year drama students from The Durban University of Technology.
Written and directed by lecturer Angela Harvey, this
dance/musical examines cultural differences and similarities by introducing
three different coloured tribes. The bright yellows are fun loving, creative and
gentle people while the bright reds have a more serious and earthy approach to
live. The rather sinister greens are the people of the underworld who aspire to
take over the world.
There are also various nutty scientists and gangsters whose
presence is woven into the story.
According to ancient lore, the tribes do not mix. But when a
friendship is struck between a young yellow girl and a young red boy – a touch
of Romeo and Juliet here - all kinds of mayhem follow.
The dance sequences are very well executed. They vary from a
bit of classical ballet to a hybrid of American Indian and African traditional
dance. I even think I spotted a bit of the All Black rugby, or Maori, Hakka in
the mix. The music, much of original songs written by Angela Harvey, is
pleasant and fits in well with the action.
As is usual with student productions, one cannot fault the
youthful exuberance and enthusiasm brought to the stage. They seem to derive
real delight and satisfaction from having the opportunity to perform in front
of an audience. This is a talented group of performers who make the most of the
material they have to work with.
While Same Differences
serves its purpose of allowing such a large group of students to be given the
opportunity to perform, I would like to see what they could do with one of the
more well-known musicals. This work is rather convoluted, a touch indulgent
and, at two and half hours, a bit too long.
However, as this was the premiere of this work, I am sure
Angela Harvey will regard it as a work in progress and tighten up the script
and the direction for any future staging.
One of the additions to the renovated Courtyard Theatre is a
very good JBL sound system. It is a pity, however, that the music mix for this
production is as rough and ready as it is. Music tracks are regularly cut off,
rather than faded out, at the end of sequences and the volumes often drowned
out the performers on stage.
Elements such as these are so important to the overall
quality of a production and in this case, along with the new sound system,
would help lift the offering to the next level.
The Courtyard Theatre is looking bright and cheerful after
the recent renovation and sprucing up. It is a very
pleasant and welcoming venue to visit and see the future of our performing arts
being developed. However, I would still like to see them offer refreshments for
sale before the show and at interval.
Same Differences runs
at the Courtyard Theatre at the Durban University of Technology’s Steve Biko
campus until September 18. Performances are at 19h00. Tickets R40 are available
at the door or by contacting the Departmental Secretary on 031 373 2194 or via
email at lebohangs@dut.ac.za
– Keith Millar
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