The Durban University of Technology starts the year with a musical flurry – staging the iconic Lionel Bart evergreen, Oliver! based on the Charles Dickens classical novel, which comes to the Courtyard Theatre from 22 to 28.
Oliver! with book, music and lyrics by Lionel Bart, is a delicious feel-good
tale of young Oliver Twist – and a host of colourful and eccentric characters:
his co-conspirator, The Artful Dodger; the patriarch of the gang, Fagin; the
sweet and caring Nancy and the evil Bill Sykes.
The Oliver! rags-to-riches formula has
inspired countless similar stories – including the much-loved musical Annie. Director Dr Pamela Tancsik has
localised it to a contemporary Durban setting – a reminder that this iconic
work of literature is as current and topical now as when it was written. Human
trafficking, abuse against women and children, poverty, street children
stealing wallets and cell-phones resonates with us today, as much as urchins
lifting silk handkerchiefs and pocket-watches did in the 1800s.
Oliver! is directed by Dr Pamela Tancsik with musical direction by Madlen
Tzankova; set design by Peter Court and construction by Jimmy Alberts and Black
Coffee. Choreography is by Mdu Mtshali and musical piano accompaniment by
Richardt Wissink. 12 children were chosen to play the orphans. There is a cast
of 55 performers in total.
Oliver! will be staged from March 22 to 28 at the Courtyard Theatre with performances
from March 22 to 27 at 19h00 and on March 28 at 15h00. For bookings or more
information contact the Departmental Secretary, Lebohang Sibisi on 031 373 2194
or email: lebohangs@dut.ac.za
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