An
exercise in imagine for young people. (Review by Caroline Smart)
Running
at Rhumbelow Theatre over the school holidays, Little Red Riding Hood is the latest production for young people
from the Actors Unemployed Company. A two-hander featuring Tess Tjasink and
Marc Kay, it is based on the story of Little Red Riding Hood. Only this time,
it’s based in Westville and Red is taking Granny some bunny chow because she
isn’t well and can’t come to the Saturday braai and watch the rugby.
I would
have liked to have seen more developed on this amusing aspect.
Tjasink
is an engaging heroine and Kay a suitably scary Big Bad Wolf, who is in a sorry
state because his wife ran off with a vampire.
Between
them, they sing a number of songs and there are some very amusing moments –
especially when Wolf can’t get Red to get his name – Lupe – right!
The
stage is bare except for four small skeletal trees. Apart from Red Riding Hood’s
basket and some articles inside it, there are no props other than the Wolf’s fearsome headpiece. At the beginning of the show, the audience is informed that
they need to use their imagination – and this involves things like a huge steel
cage, a R100 note, a map, a crossbow and a graffiti covered wall.
I
thought the lack of props and the need to focus on imagining them might have
been difficult for this morning’s young audience to grasp but Kay and Tjasink
kept their attention riveted throughout.
The show
runs for about three quarters of an hour and this is followed by a workshop in
which the youngsters are introduced to mime techniques and the history and concept
of mime itself. Another important feature is basic safety first knowledge. The workshop
is included in the ticket price.
Presented
by Rhumbelow Theatre in association with the Actors Unemployed Company, Little Red runs until July 16 with
performances from Monday to Saturday. Shows at 10h00 except for Mondays and
Thursdays when performance time is 14h00.
Tickets R70.
Snacks and juices are on sale. Tickets are limited so don’t delay – bookings
through computicket, Ailsa 083 250 2690 or Roland on roland@stansell.za.net
or http://events.durbantheatre.com/
Rhumbelow
Theatre is situated at 42 Cunningham Road off Bartle Road in Umbilo. There is
limited secure parking. – Caroline Smart
(NB:
Congratulations to Mark Kay who has just one first place in the SAFM Radio play
competition for the second year running)
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