(A scene from "Nyanga". Pic by Ashleigh Morris)
Reviews from the
artSMart team currently in Grahamstown at the 2016 National Arts Festival
Production tackles sensitive issues in a restrained and
sophisticated manner. (Review by Khinali Bagwandeen)
Nyanga was a powerful start to my National Arts Festival 2016
experience. Student theatre is a platform for students to showcase their
performances and they never cease to impress their
audiences.
The heart of Grahamstown is Rhodes University and based on the
popularity of their well-established drama department, the productions from the
university are eagerly anticipated during the festival period. This year Rhodes
introduces more than one home-grown production and to set the scene for the
student theatre, Nyanga is delicate performance directed by the talented
Thembela Madliki.
The story focuses on untold problems in a South African community
and gently uncovers the speculations around witchcraft. Nyanga tackles some sensitive issues in a restrained and
sophisticated manner that leaves the audience asking themselves the 'right'
questions.
The cast consists of nine dynamic and brilliant actors who managed
to reflect the themes of desire and betrayal magnificently. Each scene is thoughtfully crafted and there was a consistent
transference of emotions from performer to audience.
Nyanga features four different languages
but even in instances where one isn’t well versed in the communicated language,
the strength of the performance carries the story through.
There is just one more day to catch Nyanga in The Rehearsal Room at the Monument
tomorrow (July 1 at 19h00).
For more
information on the National Arts Festival click on the banner advert at the top
of this page or visitwww.nationalartsfestival.co.za
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