(Senzo Mthethwa)
Don’t miss this warmly
funny show which is all about full-on belly laughs. (Review by Keith Millar)
In 2010 the
talented young actor/comedian Senzo Mthethwa took Durban by storm with his
hilarious one man show, The Boolulu Uncle.
The production went on to entertain sold-out audiences for nine weeks and to win
several prestigious awards.
Now he is storming
back and making the stage at The Loft Theatre at The Playhouse his own with an insightful,
endearing and hilarious sequel entitled The
Return of the Boolulu Uncle.
As a young Zulu boy,
Mthethwa was raised by an Indian family in Reservoir Hills in Durban. His
exposure to the rich and vibrant Hindu culture has given him a unique
understanding of the many colourful and unusual characters that have been part
of his life. Along with input from co-writers and the directors of the
production, Kumseela and Koobeshen Naidoo, he uses this knowledge to relate
heart-warming and charming stories of his family life, and of his coming of
age.
Mthethwa is a
talented and skilled performer. He has tremendous charm and lights up the stage
with superb delivery and impeccable comedy timing. His audience is introduced
to, amongst several others, his family members, a witchy aunt, a driving test
inspector and unsympathetic school teacher, while he also relates stories of
circumcision, castor oil and playing the tabla drums at religious festivals.
Mthethwa obviously
has deep affection for the many characters he parodies. While his tongue is
firmly in his cheek at all times, he is never disrespectful or offensive. The
result is a warmly funny show which is not about grinning or chuckling along
but about full-on belly laughs. Your ribs are left aching at the end.
The Return of the Boolulu Uncle is produced by the prolific Dingalings
Production Company. This is their fifth production for the year. Under the
creative leadership of Kumseela and Koobeshen Naidoo the Dingalings deserve
kudos for the tremendous work they are doing in the growth and development of
theatre in our city. All the principals of the company have day jobs and their
theatre work is carried out after-hours. In the circumstances, it is quite an
achievement to turn out work of this quality.
The Return of the Boolulu Uncle
is a comedy with a difference. It is wonderfully performed and highly
entertaining. If you enjoy a good laugh, and who doesn’t, don’t miss this show.
The Return of the Boolulu Uncle runs at the Playhouse Loft Theatre until September
21. Shows are Wednesday to Saturday at
20h00 with an additional show on
Saturday and Sunday at 15h00. Tickets R100. Book through Computicket online or
the Shoprite/Checkers Money Market desk. – Keith Millar
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