(Reviews from the artSMart team
currently in Grahamstown at the 2016 National Arts Festival)
Enriching to see young theatre-makers tackle
sensitive political matters in such a delicate manner. (Review by Verne Rowin Munsamy)
Hungry Minds Productions, a novice theatre company residing
in Cape Town, brought three productions to the festival this year, including
Rajesh Gopie’s Out of Bounds (directed by ex Durban UKZN Durban graduate
Crizelle Anthony). I was quite impressed by this young company, only in
their first year of operation.
Showing in Glennie Hall, the set of People
Beneath Our Feet comprises a circle of sand with suggestive props that hint
at a refugee setup. Sounds of soldiers above, gunfire and vehicles suggests
that this camp is located below-ground.
These recent graduates of UCT are (as they say)
hungry to make poignant theatre that reflects and challenges our current times
and values. They whisk us off into a world where we investigate a place torn
apart by war in some fractured time. The hideout houses four characters trying
to escape, fighting the system, waiting for salvation and forced to remember
their past evils. It is enriching to see young theatre-makers tackle sensitive
political matters in such a delicate manner. They are certainly capable of
great feats.
The piece is eloquently directed by Blythe Stuart
Linger and well written by Kirosh Naidoo (who also gives a gripping performance
as Isa, the brother navigating an escape route) and Katya
Menderson. Kathleen Stephens is outstanding as Aya and other performers include
Roberto Kyle Meyer (the child soldier) and Ameera Conrad (as the bolshie
fighter). A well-earned encore standing ovation. - Verne Rowin Munsamy
(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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