(Reviews from the artSMart team currently in Grahamstown
at the 2015 National Arts Festival)
Virtuoso, spell-binding,
master class in storytelling. (Review by Keith Millar)
The National Arts
Festival in Grahamstown always delivers some very special moments. Having an
early lunch at a pop-up eatery under the enormous trees in the quadrangle of
the venerable Victoria Girls School, and just having witnessed a virtuoso,
spell-binding, master class in storytelling by the remarkable James Cairns is
just such a moment.
El Blanco: Tales of the Mariachi is the latest offering from Gwndion Beynon
who was the co-writer of the award winning production, The Epicene Butcher.
It is a marvellous
script, which is delightfully conceived, very clever, very creative and very
witty. It tells the story of El Blanco – The White One. His life ambition is to
become a Mariachi folk singer/guitarist, just like his grandfather.
Unfortunately, he does not have the talent and life seems to throw him more than
few curved balls. There are many references to the power of storytelling, and
ultimately the message is that life is all about self-discovery.
James Cairns is captivating
in the role of El Blanco. He starts off by telling his audience “there will be
songs, there will be stories, and there will be many lies” – and boy, does he
deliver.
He starts off by
telling his own whacky version of the creation of the universe. He then tells
of moving to Mexico City and becoming a radio jingle writer (a sell-out, as he
calls it). He then becomes a successful writer of a smash hit radio drama and
ends up wining and dining with George Clooney. Finally, he wanders the desert at
night trying to write a hit song and become a Mariachi. But, is it all true, or
is it a lie?
Cairns shows considerable
talent for voices and accents. At times, he is plays up to five characters interacting
with each other in the same scene, and he carries it off. His comedy timing and
delivery is superb. On top of it all, he can sing and play guitar. It is a
dazzling performance from a very skilled entertainer.
In fact, Cairns
must be the busiest actor on the fringe at the Festival this year. He is
playing major roles in four productions over the 10 days.
Also of note in El Blanco: Tales of the Mariachi is the
excellent and extensive use of sound effects, and the simple but very effective
lighting design. The technical delivery of these aspects was absolutely spot
on.
El Blanco: Tales of the Mariachi can be seen for the duration of the festival
at the Glennie Hall at 11h00. - Keith Millar
(For more information on the National Arts Festival click
on the banner advert at the top of this page or visit www.nationalartsfestival.co.za)
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