(Mthokozisi Zulu & Thuso Mbedu. Pic by Val Adamson)
Two very fine performances in thought-provoking
drama. (Review by Caroline Smart)
“Increased Mzansi crime has slowly become the norm with mugging, the
abuse of women and rape so prevalent that stories go unreported. The Crook’s Eye tells the story of what
just happened next door.” So explains award-winning Mthokozisi Zulu, writer and
producer of the play currently running at Catalina Theatre who believes theatre
offers more than entertainment - it reflects on society imbuing the edutainment
with an awareness that prompts change.
The
two-hander features Zulu himself who was recently seen in Mashu – The Musical and Thuso Mbedu,
well-known for her appearances in etv’s Scandal
and Mzanzi Magic’s Saints and Sinners.
They both give fine performances and bring credibility to their roles, making
the most of the humorous moments in this serious drama.
We first meet Bianca (Mbedu) dressed in
school uniform reading the newspaper which blazes the headline: “Despair led to Murder”. She
displays an underlying sense of nervousness which climaxes when persistent
knocking heralds the arrival of someone she is afraid of.
Dance forms a strong part of this
production with choreography
by Nokuphiwa Adam and the enactment of the rape scene – a solo piece by Mbedu accompanied
by a voice-over of the rapist – is especially memorable. However,
despite her desperate situation, Bianca puts on a bright face and some of her
most delightful scenes happen when she is on the cellphone to her friends.
We only get to meet Zulu towards the end of
the first half when he plays Bianca’s friend then later, her husband and a
knife-wielding mugger. This is an highly talented actor who gets better with
each production I see him in. The Crook’s
Eye is demanding on his dramatic ability and versatility and he comes
through with flying colours.
The play can be a bit confusing as it jumps
backwards and forwards in time. Also the use of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata as a backing track didn’t
quite fit the scenario. Something more contemporary would be better suited.
The Catalina stage is completely bare and
the only props are a newspaper, a cellphone and a knife. This simplicity allows
complete focus on the action and dialogue. However, because of the distracting noise
from the extractor fan, it is often difficult to hear Mbedu. We lost many of
the nuances of her performance on opening night which was a pity because she is
highly articulate and has a strong range of emotions.
The play’s season only comprises three performances
because of the current commitments of the performers but I look forward to
seeing this production in the not-too-distant future as Zulu has received funding
to develop it further.
The Crook’s Eye has one more performance at 12 noon today
(April 19) at Catalina Theatre. Tickets
R100 at Computicket. For more information contact Mthokozisi
Zulu on 083 963 0091 or email: nkazi.zulu@gmail.com
– Caroline Smart