In the often precarious world of the performing arts in
Durban it is really encouraging news when a new production company joins the
scene. Blank Canvas Productions is a new, young group, in every sense of the
words. The company was only founded last year.
The three active partners are James Jooste (writer/producer),
who is 19 years old, Ndili Stamper (director/theatre & cast manager) and Nkanyiso
Yeni (finances/producer), who are both18 years old and are still at school in
matric.
All three are enthusiastic and ambitious young men who have
big ideas and plans for the future of their production company. Going on their
first full stage production It’s Not Your
Fault which is currently on at the Seabrooke’s Theatre at Durban High
School, they are not without a fair bit of talent as well.
It’s Not Your Fault
is a delightfully entertaining comedy about a family, written by James Jooste.
His script is clever and perceptive, and is jam-packed with laughs. The
characters are all rather madcap, but they are well-rounded and recognisable.
Danna and Steve Turner, played by Elzette Smith and Conan
Richard Course, are about to get divorced. They call a family meeting to inform
their two children, Alice (Michaela Hardstone), who is 17 years old and more
than a bit of drama queen, and Nick (Casey
Milledge) a calmer 18 year-old, the news. Also at the meeting is Alice’s quirky
and endearing friend Tiffany, skilfully and charmingly played by Rio Notra.
Other than being a shoulder to cry on for Alice, the saucy Tiffany spends much
of her time trying to seduce Nick.
The children don’t take the news very well and embark on a frantic
and chaotic mission to save their parents’ marriage. This includes calling in
their dragon of a grandmother, Veronica (Jill Sysum). Their efforts are
increasingly hilarious and hysterical and soon things reach a stage of near
anarchy.
All the cast members put in spirited, wholehearted and
energetic performances, with perhaps Notra being the stand-out. At times they
could pick up their cues a little faster and at other times they could up the
pace a bit - as well as play with a little more light and shade. But there is
nothing wrong with this production that can’t be fixed and as an introduction
to Blank Canvas Productions, it is a very enjoyable and a most successful effort.
It is a great pity that this production is not receiving the
support it deserves at the door. Many grumble that the performing arts in our
city is struggling, but when an honest endeavour such as this production is
made by a new young company it receives scant support from those same grumblers.
Blank Canvas’ slogan is “The canvas is empty and the
possibilities are endless.” With the right support they may yet surprise and
delight us with what they achieve.
It's Not Your Fault!
runs at Seabrooke’s Theatre at DHS until March 19. The shows start at 19h00.
Tickets at R100 (R80 students) are available from Quicket, Facebook, www.Blankcanvasproductions.co.za
or at the door. – Keith Millar
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