(Chante du Plessis as
Vasco da Gama being henpecked by his wife Anna Maria played by Sfundo Sosibo. Pic by Themi Venturas)
De Compleat Histry of
Dbn (without the boring bits!) is a high energy theatrical romp through the
history of Durban. It is being staged by UKZN Drama and Performance Studies
Students under the direction of Themi Venturas and runs for a short season at the
Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre next week.
This tongue-in-cheek potted history of the city is based on
the storytelling and comic techniques of the Reduced Shakespeare Company
inspired by the style of The Compleat
Wrks of Wlm Shkspr (Abridged). Whilst the historical (or, should we say,
hysterical) facts are all correct, the story behind the story" is wildly
imaginative.
The set includes a cartoon timeline designed by Iain
"Ewok" Robinson, and a series of very interesting photographs of
early Durban projected onto a big central screen.
The production sets out to celebrate the unique history
(without the boring bits) of the town “discovered” on Christmas Day by Vasco de
Gama who, apparently, was on a voyage to get away from his nagging wife and a
persistent taxman. The potted history seeks to tell the stories behind the
historical facts, peppered with occasional ditties, parodies and traditional
songs from the city’s earliest history until today.
The production has been staged in various incarnations
before to critical acclaim. This version features a cast of 15 UKZN Drama &
Performance Studies students.
The play is dedicated to the late Tiki Nxumalo who passed
away this year and was part of the original cast when the production was first
staged at the Catalina Theatre.
Schoolgoing drama students will enjoy seeing this
production's interesting performance style and will inspire much conversation for
history scholars. A school's performance has been scheduled for October 2 at 11h00.
Bookings via Claudette Wagner on 031 260 3134 or wagnerc1@ukzn.ac.za
De Compleat Histry of
Dbn (without the boring bits!) runs from September 30 to October 3 nightly
at 19h00 with matinees on October 3 and 4 at 14h00. Tickets R60 (R30 students,
scholars and pensioners on presentation of relevant ID). Early booking is
advised through Computicket outlets, telephonically on 0861 915 8000, or online
at www.computicket.com
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